On the Trail of the Pilgrim Fathers

About the Book: 

This title tells the fascinating, true story of the founding fathers of the United States, their origins in England and their harrowing journey to the New World. After harvest time in 1621 around 60 men, women and children held a great feast in gratitude to God to celebrate their deliverance and the first anniversary of their leaving England to found a settlement in North America. These people became known as the Pilgrim Fathers. The feast was repeated annually and became known as Thanksgiving. Almost 400 years later, US citizens still celebrate Thanksgiving. But who were the Pilgrim Fathers? The political situation in 16th and 17th century England was such that those who differed from the established church were persecuted, punished and humiliated. The Puritans determined to leave English shores rather than submit to changing their beliefs. In this account, Keith Cheetham tells of their flight to Holland, their subsequent departure from Plymouth on the Mayflower in September 1620 and the perils that faced them in the New World. These are true stories of tragedy and danger as well as success.

The work featutres: over 170 places to visit in England, Holland and the USA; one general map, 4 location maps of England, 1 of Holland and 1 of New England; Line drawings and illustrations; and a list of names of those who sailed in the Mayflower. It gives a thorough guide to the origins and places connected with these early settlers and sets their achievements in the context of earlier Europe and explorers to the New World. On the Trail of the Pilgrim Fathers is aimed at everyone interested in the brave folk who left the Old World for the New.

Reviews: 

A dramatic tale of courage, religious devotion, determination and strength of purpose. It is also one of great sadness, deprivation and hardship. Express and Star

He brings their story to life and sets out their achievements in the context of earlier European explorers. Wolverhampton, Adnews

…it’s not only informative but easy to read. The Star

About the Author:

KEITH CHEETHAM has been interested in drama since the tender age of six, as a regular on the stage in the churches and halls around his native Sheffield. His lifelong love of Shakespeare was fostered at Nether Edge Grammar school, where he became acquainted with some of the Brad’s greatest play and speeches. For ten years he ran his own theatre company to much acclaim.

Most of his life has been spent in the tourist industry, he organised a festival commemorating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Mary Queen of Scots in Sheffield (in 1570), where she spent 14 years as a captive of Queen Elizabeth I. He has since written two books about the Scottish queen and spent five years as Chairman of the English Branch of the Marie Stuart Society