The Arrival

The Arrival looks at what happened after the Mayflower left England.[NP]We are inviting people to join us at five table settings to consider: pre-European New England; the natural environment the Mayflower passengers encountered; different concepts of land, place and story; and the recorded events of November to March 1620. There are three sittings are at 3:00pm, 3:30pm and 4:00pm, and it lasts just half an hour containing a few morsels of information, accompanied by some tastes and sound-scapes.[NP]The story of the Mayflower has largely been re-told in a European style – through words, facts, lists and maps. In this last phase of our research we have not only tried to learn about what happened when the Mayflower arrived, we have also tried to learn about the different ways Native Americans tell stories and mark events.[NP]In an attempt to subvert the idea of ‘Thanks’ giving, the Arrival welcomes you to take your place at a table to taste food, listen to stories and consider what happened when two cultures met.[NP]In 1620, 132 people boarded a ship from England to what was then thought of as ‘The New World’. Among these passengers were separatists, fleeing religious persecution, and a crew of 30 men, many of whom were from Rotherhithe. About half of them were ‘Strangers’, people who were not leaving for religious reasons; but due to circumstance, trade, or as indentured servants. They landed off the shore of Cape Cod in December 1620. To bridge their differences and forge a way of living together, they created The Mayflower Compact, which was signed by men of age. This document, and the story of The Pilgrim Fathers, has shaped the founding myth of modern America, and the 400th anniversary in 2020 of the Mayflower voyage is being marked internationally.[NP]All are welcome to this free event, although booking is required.  Please book your tickets using the form at the bottom of this page.  Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.[NP]For more infomration and to book tickets click [here].