The Harwich Mayflower Project is a UK charitywhich was formed in 2009 with the prime intention to build the first "Full-sized" replica of the original Mayflower of Harwich, that in 1620 took 102 passengers, later to penned as the Pilgrim Fathers to Cape Cod, USA.
The Harwich Mayflower Project is both a local community project and an international show-piece exhibiting one of the most famous vessels in history. The local aspect of the Project, concentrating on the construction of The Mayflower, combines traditional skills and experience of the past to educate and install a sense of pride and focus in Harwich.
However, because of many difficulties and change of personnel over the years, work on the actual construction of the ship is currently (as at May 2017) at a standstill, with only part of the keelson and one U timber to be seen, for over 3-years. Although recent announcements that construction will recommence and yet another change in management has taken place, the view in Harwich itself is that "Pigs will be seen flying over the harbour, before a new Mayflower ties up to the Quay".
That said, most of the local community wish the Project well and hope that Tom Daly's (first Chairperson and trustee) of building the ship and sailing her to the New World in 2020 for the 400th anniversay, is still very much going to happen.
However, because of many difficulties and change of personnel over the years, work on the actual construction of the ship is currently (as at May 2017) at a standstill, with only part of the keelson and one U timber to be seen, for over 3-years. Although recent announcements that construction will recommence and yet another change in management has taken place, the view in Harwich itself is that "Pigs will be seen flying over the harbour, before a new Mayflower ties up to the Quay".
That said, most of the local community wish the Project well and hope that Tom Daly's (first Chairperson and trustee) of building the ship and sailing her to the New World in 2020 for the 400th anniversay, is still very much going to happen.