Can you believe that the birth of the United States of America began on the River Thames in London? In 1606, English colonists departed in three ships on the Thames in Blackwall, London to start a new colony in Jamestown, Virginia, which became the first permanent British settlement in North America. Several years later in 1620, the Mayflower set sail on the Thames in Rotherhithe, London, on its voyage to the New World. These two events established colonies, which would event

The Rotherhithe and Bermondsey Local History Society, which organises monthly illustrated talks in London’s most historic borough, has announced the full lineup of speakers and subjects for next year’s Mayflower 400 London Lectures. Society President Michael Daniels also revealed that the events will take place at Canada Water Theatre which is conveniently located in the heart of the Rotherhithe peninsula, the home port and final resting place of The Mayflower and her master.