|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Mayflower |
|
The Mayflower has a famous place in American history as a symbol of early European colonization of the future US. With their religion oppressed by the English Church and government, the small party of religious Puritan separatists who comprised about half of the passengers on the ship desired a life where they could practice their religion freely. This symbol of religious freedom resonates in US society and the story of the Mayflower is a staple of any American history textbook. Americans whose roots are traceable back to New England often believe themselves to be descended from Mayflower passengers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Mayflower - a cargo ship |
|
The Mayflower was used primarily as a cargo ship, involved in active trade of goods (often wine) between England and other European countries, (principally France, but also Norway, Germany, and Spain). At least between 1609 and 1622, it was mastered by Christopher Jones, who would command the ship on the famous transatlantic voyage, and based in Rotherhithe, London, England. After the famous voyage of the Mayflower, the ship returned to England, likely dismantled for scrap lumber in Rotherhithe in 1623, only a year after Jones's death in March 1622. The Mayflower Barn, just outside the HYPERLINK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Really cold |
|
Pigeons that normally show their cheerfulness in hopes of bread-cram generosity from visitors stood perched dejectedly like hopeless homeless souls. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bill - At the ticket booth |
|
The detail, interest, and excitement with which Bill helped me and Julia (my wife) with a broad range of detail about various areas of interest in the area of Plymouth was truly amazing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Temporary cabins |
|
'Tween decks is where the passengers made their cabins. (The Mayflower was not built to carry passengers.) Here, also, were kept their livestock, the parts of the shallop (a work boat) and several more of the ship's guns.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A journey in time |
|
Listening to Capitain Joans was a truly journey in time. I forgot I was standing in the rain and freezing because the fascinating style of his perfect Old British Dialect was nothing short of magical! Capitain Joans presentatation on the Mayflower is in its own right an experience that is well worth going to Plymouth to wirness! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vivacious detail |
|
Another staff presenter keeps your attention going by providing answers to any questions you have keeping you involved in the Mayflower experience. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coast to coast visitors |
|
Another staff provides information to visitors from California. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Details |
|
Some of the utensils to help life at sea. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wet top deck |
|
The rain added a "wet" feeling that reflected the mood of the day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Great Cabin - Artistic renditionn |
|
The Great Cabin houses the Master or commander of the ship. A second bunk provides accommodation for an additional officer or, should one be on board, a distinguished guest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Forecastle |
|
The Forecastle, or "Fo'c's'le", houses the common seamen (about 18, half of whom would be on watch while at sea), the Boatswain (master of discipline) and the cook, who prepared meals here for the crew only. A hatch gives access to 'tween decks, and doors lead forward to the Beakhead.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Great Cabin |
|
The Great Cabin houses the Master or commander of the ship. A second bunk provides accommodation for an additional officer or, should one be on board, a distinguished guest. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical Virtual Reality |
|
Another one of the presenters I had the opportunity to talk to - and sadly lost his name but will try to find out - was simply fascinating. His knowledge of the detain on any technical issue related to the history of the Mayflower was spontaneously brought forth with a style that kept you wrapped around the stories. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More cabins |
|
Twin decks cabins were found everywhere but many of the pilgrims still had to sleep on the deck. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winlass - artistic rendition |
|
The Windlass is used for raising anchors and works like but is safer to use than the capstan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steerage |
|
Steerage is the cabin of the ship's officers. The hatch and ladder forward of the binnacle provide access to the 'tween decks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gifts and hopes |
|
Like in many other places across America. Visitors drop coins for some reason or another but in a sense just gives us an insight on the nature of humanity. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just another shot |
|
A gift shop with a fashion attitude by looking as a genuine structure from around the time of the Mayflower's days. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
