this be mayflower country
Visit the oldest Historical town on the East Coast of England
Here was built the most famous ship that ever sailed
and where Henry VIII stationed his fighting ships
Here was built the most famous ship that ever sailed
and where Henry VIII stationed his fighting ships
Harwich and Dovercourt are of historic importance, as it was along the Harwich Peninsula where the Mayflower, of 1620 Pilgrim Fathers fame, was built. Furthermore, the ships master and part owner, Christopher Jones, was born and raised in Harwich, as were most of the Mayflower's crew.
Some fourteen years before the 1620 Mayflower Atlantic crossing to America, another Harwich "Christopher", this time Newport, was chosen by the Virginia Company to lead a colonizing mission to the New World. He set sail from London in December 1606 in command of the Discovery, the Godspeed, and the Susan Constant to create a settlement which they named Jamestown, after King James.
Spanning the period from the 13th to 19th century, Harwich built many of England's fighting and merchant ships and was recognised during that time as being the country's eastern bastian of defence. During both 20th century world wars, Harwich was home to submarine and destroyer fleets and it was in Harwich Harbour that the first ever aircraft carrier was tested as being suitable to land aircraft on. Another 20th century first was the Short Sunderland & Catalina Flying boat landings on the broad expanse of Harwich water. Dovercourts' claim to fame is even older, as it was mentioned in the "Domesday Book" which recorded all notable places in England and parts of Wales - completed in 1086, it was ordered by William the Conqueror.
Some fourteen years before the 1620 Mayflower Atlantic crossing to America, another Harwich "Christopher", this time Newport, was chosen by the Virginia Company to lead a colonizing mission to the New World. He set sail from London in December 1606 in command of the Discovery, the Godspeed, and the Susan Constant to create a settlement which they named Jamestown, after King James.
Spanning the period from the 13th to 19th century, Harwich built many of England's fighting and merchant ships and was recognised during that time as being the country's eastern bastian of defence. During both 20th century world wars, Harwich was home to submarine and destroyer fleets and it was in Harwich Harbour that the first ever aircraft carrier was tested as being suitable to land aircraft on. Another 20th century first was the Short Sunderland & Catalina Flying boat landings on the broad expanse of Harwich water. Dovercourts' claim to fame is even older, as it was mentioned in the "Domesday Book" which recorded all notable places in England and parts of Wales - completed in 1086, it was ordered by William the Conqueror.