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The legend of Robin Hood has been questioned and debated for many years by historians and passionate Nottinghamshire and Yorkshiremen alike - indeed when Peel Holdings announced the new name of the former Finningley, Doncaster airport, Robin Hood’s origins sparked a lively debate in the Houses of Parliament! Many Robin Hood historians now recognise that Robin may well have been a Yorkshireman who was born in Wakefield, lived in Barnsdale Forest and died at Kirklees Priory. Whatever the truth behind the legend, there are many connections within and around Doncaster to encourage visitors to make up their own minds.
The history of two of the founder Pilgrim Fathers is a much more factual, but nevertheless fascinating story with its origins firmly established within the Doncaster area. Approximately nine miles south of Doncaster there are a number of places of interest linked to William Bradford and William Brewster, passengers aboard The Mayflower. Scrooby is the birthplace of William Brewster. Its Manor House was the meeting place for those who desired to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience and the house, together with St Wilfrid's Church, where Brewster was fined for non-attendance, stand today. (The Manor House is a private residence and access is by prior arrangement only). In 1606-7 William Brewster held meetings of the Scrooby Separatist congregation here with William Bradford and Richard Clyfton, another Pilgrim Father who preached at the nearby church of Babworth.
Just three miles from Scrooby is the village of Austerfield. William Bradford was born here in 1589 and christened in the village church, St Helena’s. As a young man he was so inspired by Richard Clyfton that he regularly walked the eight miles to Babworth, to hear him preach. Bradford rose to become one of the principal figures in 17th century New England, becoming Governor in 1621 and it is as a result of his writings that we have details of the lives of the Separatists in England, Holland and New England.
A copy of the Pilgrim Fathers Country leaflet is available as a pdf by clicking here
Retford Tourist Information Centre
eMail: retford.tourist@bassetlaw.gov.uk
| Tel: 01777 860780 | Fax: 01724 711846
40 Grove Street, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 6LD
Website:
http://www.experiencenottinghamshire.com
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http://www.pilgrimfathersorigins.org
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