Where to begin a blog?

Thanksgiving is only a few days away so it seems appropriate to begin with our Pilgrim forefathers. Perhaps, a brief history lesson would be appropriate. While this is common knowledge, revisiting with the family mindset gives it a new "shiny" relevance. With that in mind...

Around 1607, a group of "radical Puritans" who were members of the English Separatists Church left England to find a safe haven for their religious beliefs.  They journeyed to the Netherlands, which was relatively tolerant with lenient laws. They settled in Leiden and at this point there were approximately 100 members. They stayed here until the political climate began to shift in Europe around them.  They recognized that it was time to find a place of their own.  Their children were adopting the Dutch ways and language, and although they were separatists they firmly believed themselves to be Citizens of England and wanted to retain their heritage. They negotiated and obtained a land patent. The location chosen was north of the already established Jamestown.  They would be far enough away to do what they wanted, but close enough to ask for assistance if needed. 

It was decided that not all of the church members would undertake this first journey. Some would stay behind and maintain the church in Leiden until the settlement would be ready for the rest.  It was the youngest and strongest along with leaders who were chosen. Two ships were obtained with backing of a London Stock Company.  The Speedwell and the Mayflower.  The Speedwell was the smaller of the two vessels and brought the church members from Leiden to England where they joined with the Mayflower to prepare for the journey. 

The two ships sailed August 5, 1620. Unfortunately the Speedwell had numerous problems and both ships returned to port for repairs, cast off again and had to return a second time. The Speedwell was deemed  unseaworthy and some passengers and provisions were transferred to the Mayflower.  The remaining Speedwell passengers stayed behind in England, and eventually returned to Leiden. The Mayflower set out a second time on September 6, 1620. 

"When the Leiden Separatists (later known as "The Pilgrims") lived in the Dutch town of Leiden, they would have seen people skating on iced-over canals during the winter months.  Anthony Beerstraten created this painting, depicting the frozen town of Leiden, circa 1665.  Image online via Wikimedia Commons. "

Want to know know more about the Time in Leiden? Check this out http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-pilgrims-before-plymouth-111851259/


Next up... On Board the Mayflower