The Mayflower Trail takes one on a circular
tour of the historic sites associated with
the origins of the Pilgrim Fathers.
GAINSBOROUGH* TO BABWORTH
Half a day allows ample time to complete the trail at an unhurried
pace and a full day provides time to take a closer look along the
way at the peaceful villages which gave birth to the founders of a
great nation. The Mayflower Trail is a self-guided tour, although
with adequate notice and subject to availability, the Tourist
Information Centres in Doncaster and Retford can assist groups in
creating a tailored itinerary complete with knowledgeable guides
to accompany you if required.
To complete the Mayflower Trail head back west on the A631, then south via the A620 to Sturton-le-Steeple,
birthplace of John Robinson, one of the leaders of the Separatist movement. After taking holy orders, his first
appointment was at a church in Norfolk, where his outspoken sermons attracted the attention of the authorities.
*The Mayflower Trail may be extended from Gainsborough, via the A156 to Lincoln (18 miles)
and Boston (52 miles). Visit the Guildhall and its cells in Boston, where the Pilgrims are said to
have been held.
Returning to Sturton he married a daughter of the White family, members of which sailed on the Mayflower. He
joined the Separatist congregation at Scrooby as teacher, later becoming their pastor in Leyden, where he died in
1625. Rejoin the A620 at North Wheatley, an attractive village and home of Hugh Bromhead, one of the
Gainsborough Separatists. From here follow the A620 back to Babworth via Clarborough, Welham and the market
town of Retford where the Bassetlaw Museum is well worthy of a visit.
In Boston’s church (‘the Stump’) there are monuments to John Cotton, who led his congregation
to the New World and founded Boston, Massachusetts. On the windswept east coast at nearby
Fishtoft, a monument to the Pilgrim Fathers stands near the spot where they are said to have
attempted to set sail for Holland.
The Mayflower Trail begins in the village of Babworth.
North Wheatley
Kings Park, Retford
BABWORTH
Bassetlaw Museum, Retford
Lincoln Cathedral
Boston Guildhall
Welcome to
The entrance to the church drive is opposite the junction of
the A620 and B6420 west of Retford, two miles from the A1.
Pilgrim
The line of the Old London Road (the original Great North
Road to Scotland) runs across the double bend on the
B6420 near the railway crossing. The road may still be seen
as a track – the same width today as decreed by King John,
with its trees lying back to deter highwaymen. On the bend
stood the Rushey Inn, whose 15th century core still stands
in Rushey Cottages. In 1503 Margaret Tudor, then only 14,
stopped here on her way to marry King James IV of Scotland.
Boston Stump
BS
Sturton-le-Steeple
COUNTRY
All Saints Church, Babworth
Parking is permitted to the left of the drive near the seat and
interpretive panel. The church itself lies in a delightful
glade some 400 metres from the road and has (limited)
space for car and coach parking beside it. The origins of
religious separatism are closely connected with the rectory
and church of Babworth. Richard Clyfton was parson here
from 1586 until 1605 and two of his friends were William
Brewster and William Bradford. Clyfton was eventually
accused before the Chancery Court of being a
nonconformist because of his unorthodox views and he was
deprived of his living at Babworth. The church contains
many interesting items recalling the Pilgrim Fathers.
GAINSBOROUGH
Gainsborough Old Hall
After crossing the Trent on the A631, follow the brown
signs to Gainsborough Old Hall. Town centre car parks are
clearly signposted. Gainsborough Old Hall is a large,
timber framed, medieval manor house and one of the most
complete to survive in the country. From 1596 until 1720
it was the home of the Hickman family. The Hickmans had
sympathetic leanings towards the Separatists. It seems
possible that they gave their patronage to John Smyth, who
held regular meetings at Gainsborough. Amongst his
congregation were William Bradford, William Brewster
and John Robinson.
Gainsborough Old Hall
Leaving the church drive, turn right and immediately right
again towards Barnby Moor. At the A638 turn left and
follow the road to Scrooby. You are now on the old Great
North Road, which was well known to William Brewster
who worked as ‘Master of the Postes’. Look out for Ye Olde
Belle at Barnby Moor, a famous old posting house. Queen
Victoria and her mother once stayed here.
Inside Gainsborough Old Hall
BS
AUSTERFIELD TO
GAINSBOROUGH
Leaving the church, head back to Bawtry and take
the A631 towards Gainsborough. A number of short
interesting diversions are worthy of note on this road:
All Saints Church, Babworth
BS
Holy Trinity Church at Everton is substantially Norman.
The tympanum over the south door is carved with horselike dragons, reminiscent of Austerfield.
Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor
South of Everton lies Mattersey and another ancient
church. Inside are two important 14th century carvings.
At the end of a long, rough lane, east of the village are the
riverside remains of 12th century Gilbertine Priory.
(English Heritage -free access)
SCROOBY
The Pilgrim Fathers Inn on the A638 has a large car park.
The proprietors keep a supply of literature related to the
village and its early history.
St. Wilfrid’s Church, Scrooby
The church lies in the centre of the village, with limited
street parking. William Brewster was brought up in the
village of Scrooby. On the death of his father he inherited
the appointment of bailiff to the Archbishop’s estates and
lived in the Manor House. When Richard Clyfton was
deprived of his living, Brewster’s home became the
meeting place for those who desired to worship according
to the dictates of their own conscience. Brewster had long
been attracted by separatism and was fined for nonattendance at St. Wilfrid’s Church.
The Mayflower, Austerfield
St. Wilfrid’s Church, Scrooby
From Scrooby follow the A638 north to Bawtry, a charming small
town bustling with boutiques and restaurants. Through Bawtry take the
A614 to Austerfield, home of William Bradford and, it is said, a fellow
Pilgrim, William Butten.
Pilgrim Fathers, Scrooby
BS
SCROOBY TO AUSTERFIELD
Bawtry
The church lies behind its churchyard on the main road. Park in the lay-by in front of the
churchyard. William Bradford was born in the village of Austerfield in the winter of 158990 and was baptised in St. Helena’s Church. In 1591 his father died and he was sent to
live with his grandfather. As a young man he grew increasingly interested in the scriptures
and was inspired by the preaching of Richard Clyfton. In 1606 he joined the Scrooby
congregation. He became a gifted member of the Separatists and rose to become one of the
leading Pilgrim Fathers and principal figures in 17th century New England.
Austerfield
St. Helena’s Church, Austerfield
BS
St. Helena’s Church
BS
Just north of the church is the Manor House, former home
of William Brewster. Today, the Manor House is privately
owned; there is a viewpoint approximately 100 metres
along Station Road. The site was formerly occupied by the
medieval manor house or palace of the Archbishops of York.
In 1606-07 William Brewster held meetings of the Scrooby
Separatist congregation here with William Bradford and
Richard Clyfton. Brewster later became the presiding elder.
Scrooby
4 miles further along the A631, turn left into Gringley-onthe-Hill, an historic village on a high ridge, with superb
views over Pilgrim Country. From Beacon Hill look out
for Lincoln Cathedral on the horizon to the south east
and for the River Idle to the north, along which the
Pilgrims tried to make their escape to the sea.
AUSTERFIELD
The Manor House, Scrooby
Wiseton
Traquair Mural, Clayworth
From Everton to Gringley a detour is possible via
Drakeholes and Clayworth. Worthy of mention is St
Peter’s Church in Clayworth, home of the Traquair
Murals (the largest work of art in the East Midlands). The
church is open daily from morning to dusk. From
Drakeholes, where the Chesterfield Canal flows through
a long tunnel, a stroll beside the old navigation will bring
you to the delightful estate village of Wiseton.
Narrow boats on the Chesterfield Canal
Clayworth
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Pilgrim
Mr Straw’s House
Church, Clumber Park
Major Oak, Sherwood Forest
Doncaster Tourist
Information Centre
COUNTRY
Pilgrim
www.pilgrimfathersorigins.com
Pilgrim
Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield
Retford Tourist Information Centre
Traquair Mural, Clayworth
Commemorative Plaque, Austerfield
A warm welcome awaits you in South Yorkshire
and Bassetlaw, origins of the Pilgrim Fathers!
Other useful contacts:
Lincolnshire Tourism w: www.tourismlincolnshire.com
Gainsborough Old Hall w: www.gainsborougholdhall.co.uk
Contact:
w: www.sherwoodforest.org.uk
A former Royal hunting forest and legendary home of the
world’s most famous outlaw Robin Hood this is also the site of
the renowned Major Oak.
t: 01909 501148
e: [email protected]
w: www.nottinghamshiretourism.co.uk
Sherwood Forest
Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield is situated in the heart of Pilgrim
Country and is served by a number of airline operators.
Worksop Tourist Information Centre
Memorial Avenue, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 2BP
For information on Clumber Park
or Mr Straw’s House Contact:
w: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Both Retford and Doncaster Railway Stations are served by frequent
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh trains.
t: 01777 860780
e: [email protected]
w: www.nottinghamshiretourism.co.uk
Where the clocks tick but time stands still! Visit the family
home of a well-to-do tradesman of the 1920s. This semidetached house, National Trust property offers a glimpse into
the past: nothing has been thrown away for more than 60 years.
Family letters, photos, clothing, Victorian furniture and
household objects can all be seen in their rightful places, where
their owners left them.
Pilgrim Country is easily accessed through five major motorways: A1(M),
M1, M18, M180 and M62.
Retford Tourist Information Centre
40 Grove Street, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6LD
Leaflet designed and produced by: Rich Designs e: [email protected] t: 01623 741741
t: 01302 734309
e: [email protected]
w: www.visitdoncaster.co.uk
Mr Straw’s House
Contact:
Doncaster Tourist Information Centre
38 - 40 High Street, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN1 1DE
Clumber Park
A variety of quality accommodation is available in Pilgrim
Country ranging from self-catering cottages, family-run country
inns and luxurious four star hotels. Please note that the churches
on the trail are opened only with advance notice and subject to
availability. Please contact the Tourist Information Centres for
further details.
This wide expanse of parkland, farmland and woods covers over
3800 acres and was once the seat of the Dukes of Newcastle.
Many estate features survive within this National Trust
property, including the Victorian chapel, a Gothic Revival ‘minicathedral’, stable yard and garages and ornate entrance lodges.
At the heart of the estate is the magnificent serpentine lake,
complete with balustraded bridge and delightful Doric Temple.
Although the Mayflower Trail is a self-guided tour, knowledgeable
staff at the Tourist Information Centres in Doncaster, Retford and
Worksop can assist in putting together detailed itineraries for
group visits including accommodation, transportation and
parking, meal and restroom stops, access to churches, tour
guides and guest speakers if desired.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Clumber Park
Welcome to
COUNTRY
Pilgrim
COUNTRY
Where To Find Us
Pilgrim
RETFORD
A warm welcome awaits you in
the home of the Pilgrim Fathers!
Pilgrim Country nestles on the crossroads of four counties
Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.
An area of approximately 50 square miles comprising
picturesque villages and charming market towns, Pilgrim
Country overlaps the district of Bassetlaw, an unspoilt part
of North Nottinghamshire, and South Yorkshire a county
rich in culture and heritage.
The Mayflower Trail takes one on a circular tour, visiting
the historic sites associated with William Bradford and
William Brewster whose lives are so well documented.
There is much more to see in Pilgrim Country, you may
find yourself taking advantage of many of the area’s other
historic attractions. And with surprisingly easy access to
York, Nottingham and Lincoln, the Yorkshire Dales and
the Derbyshire Peak District, a short break can easily turn
into an extended stay.
Pilgrim
Villages & Towns
Heritage enthusiasts will discover a wealth of history
within and on the doorstep of Pilgrim Country.
Daneshill Lakes Nature Reserve, Lound
Planning Your Visit
COUNTRY
The delightful town of Retford is one of the oldest Chartered
Boroughs in England. It is home to Bassetlaw Museum where
the figure of William Brewster is replicated. Retford boasts
many fine examples of Georgian architecture around its
traditional market square. Nearby are St Swithun’s Church and
Sloswicke’s Hospital, a remarkable building founded in 1657.
A Russian cannon stands proudly in the centre of Cannon
Square, captured in 1855 at the Battle of Sebastapol.
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Pilgrim
Villages & Towns
Pilgrim
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Pilgrim
Villages & Towns
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BLYTH
DONCASTER
The village of Blyth, four miles from Bawtry, was an important
halting place for travellers on the old roads from London to York
and there are several coaching inns still standing today. A visit to
the charming church is recommended.
Doncaster is a vibrant emerging city renowned as the home of the
St Leger, the oldest Classic horserace and boasts one of only three
Mansion Houses in the UK. Popular with visitors is Doncaster
Museum and Doncaster Market, being one of the largest in the
North of England and centred around the beautifully restored
Corn Exchange. The imposing architecture and stained glass
windows of Doncaster’s Minster draw visitors from afar.
TICKHILL
Situated just four miles from Bawtry is Tickhill, yet another
delightful village centred around a Buttercross, erected in 1777
but with a history that can be traced back as far as 1066 when
William I gave lands to Roger de Busli who administered them
as the Honour of Tickhill. The village has a fine church dating
from the 15th century and the remains of a Norman Castle
which overlooks the picturesque mill dam.
Contact:
Retford Tourist Information Centre
40 Grove Street, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6LD
Places of Interest
Pilgrim
The Origins
Brodsworth Hall
Brodsworth Hall and its 15 acres of stunning gardens provide a
fascinating insight into the changing fortunes of a previously
wealthy Victorian family, with many of the original fixtures and
fittings still in place.
Cusworth Hall
t: 01777 860780
e: [email protected]
w: www.nottinghamshiretourism.co.uk
Cusworth Hall is an imposing 18th century country house set
in extensive landscaped parklands; it is also home to the
Museum of South Yorkshire Life which illustrates the changing
home, work and social life of people and communities across
the region in the last 250 years.
EPWORTH
Conisbrough Castle
Tickhill
This North Lincolnshire town, approximately 10 miles from
Doncaster is the birthplace of John Wesley, the founder of
Methodism, who was born at the Old Rectory in 1703 where
his father Samuel was rector from 1696 to 1735. The Old
Rectory is now a museum of Wesley memorabilia.
A timber motte and bailey castle was built on the site during the
early 1070s and was replaced by a stone keep in 1180. It was
abandoned as a residence in the 1400s and is today considered to
be one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Europe.
BAWTRY
Originally an ancient port on the River Idle, it is today a thriving
market town with a variety of attractive shops and restaurants.
It was once a significant staging post on the Great North Road
and is known as ‘the Gateway to Yorkshire’. Indeed upon
entering the town from Nottinghamshire on the A630, the first
house on the right hand side carries the prestigious address:
Number 1 Yorkshire.
Contact:
The Old Rectory
1 Rectory Street, Epworth
t: 01427 872268
e: [email protected]
w: www.epwortholdrectory.org.uk
Contact:
Doncaster Tourist Information Centre
38 - 40 High Street, Doncaster DN1
t: 01302 734309
e: [email protected]
w: www.visitdoncaster.co.uk
www.pilgrimfathersorigins.com
Book of Common Prayer,
Babworth 1662
Inside All Saints Church, Babworth
Clumber Park
St. Swithun’s Church, Retford
Cannon Square, Retford
The Old Rectory, Epworth
Blyth Church
Tickhill
Bawtry
Brodsworth Hall Tulip Garden
Cusworth Hall
Pilgrim
Pilgrim
Pilgrim
Pilgrim
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Conisbrough Castle