Stars
and Stripes
Discover the East of England’s strong associations with
the USA.
Follow in the footsteps of the New World settlers,
including Bartholomew Gosnold - who in 1607, helped
establish the first permanent English-speaking settlement in
America, at Jamestown in Virginia. z Explore the story of
Norfolk-born John Rolfe, and his wife, the famous Native
American princess Pocahontas. z Visit the seafaring town of
Harwich, home of Christopher Jones, Master of The
Mayflower - the vessel which sailed The Pilgrim Fathers to
the New World in 1620.
z
Trace the descendants of five US Presidents, including George Washington, George Bush
and Abraham Lincoln. z Enjoy the big band sounds of famous US wartime bandleader
Glenn Miller and his orchestra. z Discover ‘The Friendly Invasion’, when from 1942, the
East of England became home to hundreds of US servicemen - visit historic airfields,
museums and memorials.
z
This information sheet brings together details on the region’s wide and varied
connections with the USA - from its founding to the present day. During 2007, the East of
England will form part of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the
birthplace of America.
Contents
American Connections
Early Settlers
Presidents Row
The Friendly Invasion (USAAF)
Little America
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
2
12
13
16
11
Produced by East of England Tourism
Produced by East of England Tourism
Early Settlers
People from the East of England have played an important role in the discovery and
settlement of North America. The first three US counties were named Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk - and there
are also many towns and villages named by the settlers in memory of their homeland.
Jamestown
Jamestown
The US state of Virginia was named in 1585 by Sir Walter Raleigh - after Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603). It was
during her reign that the first attempts by English merchants were made to establish and build an empire in
the New World - attracted by its land and riches. In the late 1580’s, Sir Richard Grenville unsuccessfully tried
to found a settlement at Roanoke Island in present-day North Carolina. It was
not until April 1606, that King James I would grant a charter to two
commercial companies, giving them the right to establish English colonies in
Virginia. These were the Virginia Company of London and the Virginia
Company of Plymouth *. Investors and entrepreneurs purchased shares in
these companies - convinced that gold would be found, and that the colonists
would find a way through to the Pacific, opening up rich trade with China and
India. Captain Bartholomew Gosnold (from Suffolk) and Captain John Smith
(from Lincolnshire) are regarded as two of the principal movers in the London
organisation. * The Virginia Company of Plymouth’s attempt to settle in
Virginia proved a failure in 1607, when they tried to establish the
Popham colony in present-day Maine. Abandoned after just one year, the
King James I
settlers returned to England.
The Virginia Company of London (led by Captain Christopher Newport) set sail from Blackwall (London) on
the 20 December 1606, with 105 settlers aboard three ships - Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery. On
April 26 1607, they landed at Cape Henry on the eastern shores of Virginia. Here they opened a sealed box
containing further instructions and the names of the governing council, amongst
them were Gosnold, Newport and Smith. They then entered Chesapeake
Bay - travelling 50 miles up the James River, where they found a marshy
peninsula. It was here on the 14 May 1607, that the first permanent
English-speaking settlement in America - Jamestown was founded.
But the following months would not be easy for the settlers, with disease,
famine and attacks by the Native Americans taking their toll on the population.
The English had entered the lands of the Algonquian, a powerful Indian tribe
led by Chief Powhatan. But the London Company were determined to succeed,
and sent more men and supplies. In September 1608, the election of Captain
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
22
Godspeed
Producedby
byEast
EastofofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
John Smith as President brought a much needed strong and structured leadership to the colony - but
a year later he was forced to return to England for treatment on an injury. The next winter (1609-10)
saw the settlers suffer the ‘Starving Time’, when their numbers were virtually wiped out (only 60 of the
original 214 settlers survived). On the point of abandoning the settlement and returning to England, it was
only with the sudden arrival (delayed after a shipwreck) of a new governor and supplies that the colony
was brought back on its feet.
The colonists of Jamestown had always been expected to start industrial enterprises - that would return
profits for the investors. Work such as silk and glass making were undertaken - but later tobacco growing
would make the colony profitable, ensuring its survival and a constant influx of settlers. This came about
through the experiments of another notable settler John Rolfe in 1610 (the first successful planter of
tobacco). Four years later, he would marry Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan - this bringing
several years of peace between the settlers and Native Americans. On the 30 July 1619, the first English
representative government in the New World met at Jamestown - which remained the capital of
Virginia throughout the 17th C. Following a major uprising by the Algonquians in 1622, the Virginia
Company was dissolved, and the state became a royal colony. In 1699, the capital was moved to
Williamsburg and Jamestown fell into decay. Today it is owned by the US government, part of the Colonial
National Historical Park.
Key figures from the East of England
Bartholomew Gosnold
Gosnold, Captain Bartholomew (1572-1607)
The eldest son of a country squire, Gosnold was born at the village of
Otley, nr. Ipswich (Suffolk). His birthplace is either Otley Hall (the Gosnold
family were tenants here from 1401, until they purchased the building in
1542) - or more likely, the ‘High House’ (not open to the public) in the
village. Gosnold was educated at a school in Ipswich, then Jesus College in
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire). It was here that he met the Earl of
Southampton, who would later fund his 1602 expedition. Gosnold then
studied law at Middle Temple in London. In 1595, he married Mary Golding
and moved to the town of Bury St. Edmunds (also in Suffolk).
Gosnold had always been entranced with the idea of exploring the New World - and founding an
English colony there. He was friends with writer/geographer Richard Hakluyt (who probably encouraged his
ambitions) and sailed with Sir Walter Raleigh. On the 26 March 1602, Gosnold set sail aboard Concord,
accompanied by 20 or so friends, mostly from Cambridge. Seven weeks later (14 May), land was sighted near
the present day Cape Elizabeth in Maine. He then explored the coastline, discovering and naming ‘Cape Cod’,
due to its abundance of fish - then the island of ‘Martha’s Vineyard’, after his first-born daughter. Gosnold
established a small post on one of the Elizabeth Islands, now known as Cuttyhunk (just off the Massachusetts
coast). It was here that he built the first known English house in America. But after just three weeks, the
settlers became disillusioned by the hostility of the Native Americans and the scarcity of provisions, and they
abandoned the colony returning to England (June/July 1602).
But Gosnold still had the colonist spirit, and over the next five years,
he began to promote a much larger expedition. He became one of the
principal movers in the Virginia Company of London, which in April
1606, received a charter from King James I to establish English colonies
in Virginia. On December 20 1606, Gosnold sailed as Captain aboard one
of the three vessels - Godspeed, and helped establish the first permanent
English-speaking settlement in America, at Jamestown in Virginia. On
arrival, he was named as one of the original governing council. Sadly,
Gosnold died just three months after arriving in August 1607. In 2003,
archaeologists at the Jamestown site discovered the remains of a
high-ranking male colonist, which is believed to be Gosnold. DNA tests
were undertaken in 2005 with family members in Suffolk
to establish whether these claims are correct - but sadly
these have turned out to be a scientific dead end.
Otley Hall
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
33
Producedby
byEast
EastofofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
Newport, Captain Christopher (1560-1617)
Baptised in St. Nicholas Church at Harwich (Essex) in 1561, Newport rose to
become one of England’s greatest sea captains. It was this experience that led the
Virginia Company of London to hire him to take overall command of the three
vessels and passengers that would travel on the journey to Virginia in 1606.
Newport sailed aboard the Susan Constant. Named as one of the original
governing council, he undertook three further voyages between England and the
settlement of Jamestown, bringing more men and supplies. On the fourth voyage
in June 1609, his vessel (Sea Venture) was shipwrecked off Bermuda. Building a
smaller boat, Newport set sail again arriving in Virginia in May 1610. One of the
settlers on this vessel was John Rolfe (see below). Newport died in 1617 on the
island of Java in Indonesia. Christopher Newport University in Newport News,
Virginia is named after him.
Christopher Newport
Tobacco plant
Rolfe, John (1585-1622)
The son of a squire, Rolfe was born and grew up in the village of Heacham
(nr. Hunstanton) in Norfolk. The hall which was the family home burnt down
in 1941. At St. Mary’s Church, he was baptised in the font. Rolfe traveled to
America in June 1609, aboard the Sea Venture, captained by Christopher
Newport (see above). Shipwrecked off Bermuda, he finally arrived in Virginia
in May 1610. Rolfe became the first successful planter of tobacco, turning the
colony of Jamestown into a profitable venture. Four years later, he would
marry Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan - this bringing several years of
peace between the settlers and Native Americans.
Pocahontas (1595-1617) is noted for her earlier connections to Captain John Smith. He was born in 1590 at
Willoughby in Lincolnshire, and along with Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, became one of the principal
movers in the Virginia Company of London. Smith sailed on the 1606 journey - helping to establish the first
permanent English-speaking settlement in North America, at Jamestown in Virginia. On arrival, he was named
as one of the original governing council - and later brought a much needed strong and structured leadership
as President of the colony. The legendary story of Pocahontas and Smith, tells how whilst during an
expedition from Jamestown he was captured by the Native Americans and taken before her father Powhatan.
First welcomed, he then found himself on the verge of being executed (clubbed to death), when the 11 year
old Pocahontas rushed in and laid her head upon Smith’s pleading for his life. He was saved, and she became
the intermediary between the Englishman and her father - regularly visiting the colony at Jamestown. In
1609, Smith was forced to return to England for treatment on an injury - he never returned to Virginia.
The story then moves to 1613, when Pocahontas was kidnapped by the
English - and held ransom for prisoners and stolen weapons in the hands of her
father. But the exchange never happened, and she was left to live with the
English. Pocahontas was converted to Christianity, learnt the language and
baptised as Rebecca. It was during this time (April 1614) that she fell in love and
married John Rolfe. In 1616, the couple and their infant son Thomas traveled to
England to seek further financial support for the settlement at Virginia. They were
presented at the Royal Court, meeting the King and Queen. In March 1617, as they
sailed down the River Thames for their return to Virginia, Pocahontas was taken ill
from pneumonia or tuberculosis, and brought ashore at Gravesend in Kent. She
Pocahontas
died here aged 22, and is buried at St. George’s Church. Rolfe returned to
Virginia alone, where he remarried and held several offices in the colony’s
council. His son Thomas (1615-1675) remained in England, brought up at Heacham Hall (Norfolk) by his
uncle - although at the age of 25, he also left for Virginia. Here the state highway between Williamsburg and
Jamestown is named the John Rolfe Highway.
Sicklemore (alias Ratcliffe), John (1574-1609)
Captain of the third ship - the Discovery, John came from a Suffolk family, probably from, or near, Ipswich.
Named as one of the original governing council, he became the Second President of the colony. However he
made himself unpopular by having a “palace” built for himself as President. John met a grisly end by the
Powhatan Indians in 1609.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
4
4
Produced by East of England Tourism
Produced by East of England Tourism
Places to Visit
Otley Hall (Otley, nr. Ipswich, Suffolk)
Tel: +44 (0)1473 890264. Web: www.otleyhall.co.uk
Splendid Grade I listed 16th C. moated house. Ancestral
home of the Gosnold family for 300 years from
1401-1700 - first as tenants, then as owners (1542). The
most notable member is Bartholomew Gosnold. It was in
1604, by the fireplace in The Great Hall, that he met with
Sir Thomas Smythe (Treasurer of the First Virginia
Company) to enlist financial support for the 1607
expedition, and subsequently interviewed and recruited
for the crew and original settlers. The Gosnold family
tree hangs in the entrance hall. Open selected dates
throughout the year.
Heacham (nr. Hunstanton, Norfolk)
This is the village where John Rolfe was born and grew up. The hall
which was the family home burnt down in 1941. He traveled to the New
World in 1609, and became the first successful planter of tobacco. Then
in 1614, Rolfe married Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan. Inside
St. Mary’s Church (where Rolfe was baptised) is a wall monument to
Pocahontas, alongside a sculpture by Otillea Wallace. Pocahontas is also
featured on the village sign.
St. Edmundsbury Cathedral (Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk)
Tel: +44 (0)1284 754933. Web: www.stedscathedral.co.uk
Bartholomew Gosnold’s eldest daughter (Martha) was baptised here in 1597.
Dying at an early age, she is buried in an unmarked grave in the Great
Graveyard. There is a memorial plaque on The Charnel House. Several
kneelers in the cathedral make reference to the strong links between Suffolk
and America. In the Refectory Garden, there is a modern sculpture by local
artist Jonathan Clarke. It is called the ‘Godspeed’, the name of the ship
captained by Gosnold on the journey to Jamestown, Virigina in 1607.
Christchurch Mansion (Ipswich, Suffolk)
Tel: +44 (0)1473 433554. Web: www.ipswich.gov.uk
A red brick Tudor house home to a fascinating museum. Includes portraits of
Bartholomew Gosnold and members of his family.
Shelley (nr. Hadleigh, Suffolk)
Inside the chancel at All Saints’ Church is the burial place (1646) of
Elizabeth Gosnold (the sister of Bartholomew Gosnold). She had married Thomas Tilney around 1598.
Commemorative plaque.
Harwich (Essex)
A commemorative plaque to Christopher Newport can be seen on the Quayside Court in the town.
Further Information
Official Jamestown 400th anniversary web site www.jamestown2007.org
Colonial National Park (Jamestown) www.nps.gov
Begin Your Advenure (UK-based commemorations) www.beginyouradventure.co.uk
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
55
Producedby
byEast
EastofofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
The Pilgrim Fathers
Plymouth
The Pilgrim Fathers were a group of Puritans/Separatists, who wanted to worship independently from the
Church of England using their own simpler form of religion. Coming under persecution to conform, they sailed
from Europe to North America in the early 17th C. in search of a home where they could freely practice their
style of religion and live according to their own laws. Most of the pilgrims came from the Lincolnshire,
Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire areas. They had originally escaped in 1608 to Amsterdam in Holland - settling
in Leiden for 12 years. But by 1617, concern over a poor economy and the Dutch influence (language and
customs) on their community convinced them to a further move. They now looked towards the New World,
and the settlement already established in Virginia in 1607. Obtaining a grant from the Virginia
Company - they hired a merchant ship called The Mayflower. It set sail from Plymouth on the 6 September
1620, with around 102 settlers aboard. Their intended destination was a section of land in Northern Virginia,
near to the Hudson River. But forced off course by the weather, they found themselves off the coast of
Massachusetts (Cape Cod) on the 9 November. They decided to abandon their plans to continue to Virginia,
and founded the first colony in New England at Plymouth.
Key figures from the East of England
Jones, Christopher (1570-1622)
Master (Captain) of The Mayflower, the vessel which was hired
to take The Pilgrim Fathers to the New World in 1620. He was born around
1570, at 21 King’s Head Street in Harwich (Essex) - where there is a plaque.
St. Nicholas Church records the baptism of Jones. His father was a seaman,
and captain of several sailing ships. In December 1593, Jones married 17 year
old Sarah Twitt - her father being a wealthy ship owner and merchant. She
died in May 1603 – by which time he had become a freeman of the borough
King’s Head Street, Harwich
and one of the town’s leading citizens. Jones remarried the same year
to Josian Grey - this union producing eight children. Both marriages are
recorded at St. Nicholas Church. In around 1609, he became Master of The Mayflower - a merchant ship
transporting goods, such as tar, lumber, fish, wine and spices. By 1612, Jones owned a quarter of the ship,
and had moved to Rotherhithe on the River Thames - which was a major centre of shipping in England. Before
the voyage to America in 1620, Jones took his family back to Harwich to stay with relatives, and his last
child, John was baptised here. Jones returned safely from America in 1621, but died the following year. He is
buried at St. Mary’s Church in Rotherhithe.
Martin, Christopher (1582-1620)
The Chantry House in the High Street at Billericay in Essex, is believed to be the former home of Christopher
Martin (a miller), who acted as governor onboard The Mayflower. Depicted on the town sign, this was the
vessel which sailed The Pilgrim Fathers to the New World in 1620. Before the departure, Martin was one of
the agents responsible for gathering supplies - with flour milled for the journey at Billericay. At nearby Great
Burstead, the Church of St. Mary Magdalen has a record of the marriage of Martin to Marie Prower in 1676. He
was church warden here, and a stained glass window shows The Mayflower.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
66
Producedby
byEast
EastofofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
The Essex settlers are reputed to have assembled at the Chantry House - on the night before their
embarkation. It is then thought they traveled to Leigh-on-Sea (nr. Southend) to board The Mayflower. Martin,
his wife and step-son all died within the first year at Plymouth, USA.
Places to Visit
The Mayflower
In the Footsteps of The Pilgrim Fathers
Follow our trail through the county of Essex. Start at the town of Harwich,
famous for its seafaring history and heritage. Explore on the maritime trail,
including the birthplace and former home (not open to the public) of
Christopher Jones - Master of The Mayflower. Then visit St. Nicholas
Church, where he was baptised, then twice married in 1593 and 1603. Head
south now to Billericay - take a drive along the High Street to see the
Chantry House, the former home of Christopher Martin. He acted as
governor onboard The Mayflower’s journey in 1620. At nearby Great
Burstead, Martin was the warden at the Church of St. Mary Magdalen. View
The Mayflower depicted in stained glass here. End your tour with a pot of
cockles at the quaint fishing village of Leigh-on-Sea (nr. Southend). In Tudor
times, it was England’s ninth largest port, and it is believed that The
Mayflower moored here in 1620 to take on provisions and passengers.
Other US Connections
Bedfordshire
Buckley, Peter (1583-1658)
Peter Buckley, America’s earliest writer was born at the village of Odell (nr. Bedford). A graduate of
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), he became rector of the 15th C. All Saints Church in Odell in 1610. He was
suspended in 1634, due to this Puritan views - emigrating to America the following year, and becoming
founder of the town of Concord in Massachusetts. Buckley also published one of the first books in America
(The Gospel Covenant). It was his library which helped establish that of the University of Harvard. A plaque in
Odell church tells how contributions from Concord (USA) were used to retune/re-hang the bells in 1958.
Carteret, Sir George (1610-1680)
Haynes Park (not open to the public) at Haynes Church End (nr. Shefford) was the former home of Sir George
Carteret - English naval officer and Royalist statesman. He defended the island of Jersey (his birthplace)
during the English Civil War. In recognition of his loyalty, Carteret was granted the land between the Hudson
and Delaware rivers in America by Charles II in 1663, this becoming known as New Jersey. He was also one of
the eight Lord Proprietors who were awarded enormous areas of land in the Province of Carolina (1663-1729),
now North and South Carolina.
Osborn, Sir Danvers (1715-1753)
Born at Chicksands Priory (nr. Shefford), the family seat of the Osborn family
since 1576. Sir Danvers Osborn emigrated in 1753, and was appointed the
governor of New York. His memory is commemorated by a town in
Massachusetts named after him.
Nicholls, Richard (1624-1672)
Born in the town of Ampthill (Bedfordshire). In 1664, he was sent as a
commissioner to oversee the surrender of the Dutch colonial city of New
Amsterdam. He renamed it New York, after his commandeering officer - James,
Duke of York. He subsequently became the first colonial governor of Long Island
(1664-1668). Nicolls returned to Ampthill in 1667. He died at the Battle of Sole
Bay, off Southwold (Suffolk) in 1672 - his marble memorial in St. Andrew’s
Church at Ampthill includes the cannonball which killed him.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
77
Producedby
byEast
EastofofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
Cambridgeshire
Cambridge
z The University city of Cambridge became a hot bed of Separatism in the 16/17th C. Many future leaders of
The Mayflower Pilgrims attended the colleges, such as John Smyth (Christ’s College), John Robinson (Corpus
Christi College) and Richard Clyfton (Christ’s College). William Brewster (1567-1644) went to Peterhouse
College. He traveled on The Mayflower, with the first group in 1620, becoming the senior elder of the colony,
and serving as its religious leader and advisor to Governor William Bradford.
z John Winthrop (1588-1649), governor of Massachusetts attended Trinity College. He emigrated in 1630.
z Roger Williams (1599-1683), founder of Rhode Island attended Pembroke College. He emigrated in 1632.
z Thomas Hooker (1586-1647), founder of Hartford in Connecticut attended Emmanuel College. He
emigrated in 1633.
z John Harvard (1607-1638) was an undergraduate at Emmanuel College. He sailed to the New World in 1637.
Upon his death, he bequeathed half of his estate and library of 320 books towards the founding of an
educational institution. This was called after him and became America’s first university. There is a
commemorative plaque and window in the chapel at Emmanuel.
Essex
St. Mary’s Church, Dedham
Dedham (nr. Colchester)
This pretty village was the home of the Shermans. At least eleven
descendants of this family emigrated to New England between
1633-1640. They have left their mark on the US - from General W. T.
Sherman of Civil War fame; to one of the founders of Rhode Island
(Philip Sherman); and a signatory on the Declaration of Independence
(Roger Sherman). The Grade I listed Sherman Hall at Dedham is now
owned by The National Trust. There is a memorial in the east window
at St. Mary’s Church - whilst shields in the nave roof mark the
connections with the town of Dedham in Massachusetts, USA. They
helped with restoration of the church in 1967, and in recognition, pews
show the first seal of the United States and The Mayflower.
Haynes, John (1593-1654)
John Haynes was born at Copford (nr. Colchester). The house no longer stands, the site occupied by the
current Copford Hall. He traveled to America in 1633, becoming governor of Massachusetts in 1635. Later,
Haynes was among the pioneers who ventured into the valley of the River Connecticut, and went onto
become the first Governor of Connecticut in 1639.
High Laver (nr. Harlow)
z After graduating from Cambridge, Roger Williams (1599-1683) went to work as the family chaplain of the
rich Masham family at High Laver. He married Mary Barnard at All Saints Church in 1629. Three years later,
Williams set sail for Boston (Massachusetts) aboard the Lyon. He was later banished for his religious views
from the Massachusetts Bay Colony - and went onto found Rhode Island in 1636.
z John Locke (1632-1704), the famous English philosopher lived at High Laver for the last 14 years of his life.
His political writings were used by American rebels to justify their actions - his words echoed in the
Declaration of Independence, and his ideas embodied in the United States Constitution.
Locke is buried in All Saints Church at High Laver, where there is a memorial.
The Lyon
Thomas Hooker (1586-1647) was town lecturer and curate of St. Mary’s Church in
Chelmsford (Essex) - now the cathedral. He was persecuted for his Puritan beliefs, and
fled in 1630 to start a school for young ministers at nearby Little Baddow. This was
eventually forced to close, and Hooker went to live at Lyons Hall (nr. Bocking, Braintree),
as the tutor and resident chaplain of the Goodwin Family. At this time, Puritans had to
gather in each other’s houses for meetings, and they flocked to Lyons Hall to hear Hooker
and other preachers. William and Ozias Goodwin were encouraged by him to form The
Braintree Company - with the intention of recruiting others to take passage to America.
The ship Lyon was chartered, and the first group sailed to New England on June 2 1632,
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
88
Thomas Hooker
Produced by East of England Tourism
Produced by East of England Tourism
arriving at Boston, Massachusetts. They called their settlements after the towns and villages they have come
from, such as Braintree. Thomas Hooker who had fled to Holland, emigrated himself in 1633, and went onto
found the town of Hartford in Connecticut. He is also remembered for his role in creating the ‘Fundamental
Orders of Connecticut’ - a direct descendant of the US Constitution. Other passengers from Essex aboard the
Lyon, included John Elliott (who devoted his life to showing how the white man could live on equal terms
with the Native Americans); Roger Williams (founder of Rhode Island); and Henry Adams (great, great,
grandfather of the 2nd US president John Adams). The Town Hall Centre at Braintree has fresco paintings
showing the Lyon, plus a model of the ship.
Pynchon, William (1590-1662)
Born in the village of Springfield (nr. Chelmsford), Pynchon emigrated in 1630. He was one of the eighteen
assistants named in the charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony - becoming its treasurer. Later he founded
the town of Springfield, Connecticut in 1636.
Hertfordshire
Stone, Samuel (1602-1663)
Born in the town of Hertford, the Reverend Stone was educated at Emmanuel College in Cambridge
(Cambridgeshire). He emigrated in 1633, and helped to co-found the town of Hartford, Connecticut. A statue
of him stands near the entrance to the castle at Hertford.
Norfolk
Blackstone, William (1595-1675)
Educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) - Blackstone became rector of the town of
Attleborough. He emigrated to New England in 1623. Blackstone was the first European to settle in what is
now the city of Boston - and in 1634, became the first white settler in Rhode Island. It is also said that he
planted the first orchard in Massachusetts.
Flowerdew, Temperance (1590-1628)
One of the earliest women in Jamestown, Virginia. She left the village of Hethersett (nr. Norwich), sailing to
the settlement in 1609, with around 400 other settlers. Temperance survived the ‘Starving Time’, the name
given to the next winter (1609-10), when numbers were virtually wiped out. Returning to England, she went
back to Jamestown in 1619, with her new husband George Yardley - later Sir George Yardley and the governor
of Virginia. Temperance became the first titled lady of America.
Great Yarmouth
z A number of New World settlers had their roots in this seaside town. William Gooch (1681-1751), later Sir
William, was born in Great Yarmouth. He became the colonial governor of Virginia from 1727 to 1747. Gooch
negotiated the Treaty of Lancaster, which insured protection from the Indian tribes to the north and west of
the colony. In 1749, he returned to England, and is buried at Great Yarmouth. The town of Staunton in
Virginia is named after his wife, Lady Rebecca.
z Thomas Willett (1611-1674) was the grandson of a Great Yarmouth man. He emigrated in 1630, becoming a
trader and sea captain of the Plymouth colony. Willett lived much of his life in New Amsterdam, which later
became New York. He became its first mayor in 1665.
Hingham
The town of Hingham in Massachusetts was founded by the Reverend
Peter Hobart (1604-1678), who was born and baptised at Hingham in
Norfolk. Educated at Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), Hobart emigrated in
1635. More of the inhabitants of Hingham in Norfolk arrived in 1638,
including parson Robert Beck. The village sign shows the parishioners
about to set sail for the New World. In 1637, one of the new settlers
was Samuel Lincoln (born at Hingham, Norfolk) - whose great, great,
great, great grandson was 16th US President Abraham Lincoln.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
99
Producedby
byEast
EastofofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
King’s Lynn
z Captain John Mason was born in the town. He became governor of Newfoundland from 1615-1621,
publishing the first reliable maps of the area. In 1623, he obtained an area of land in the New World, sending
a group of settlers to found the state of New Hampshire. He was later appointed Vice-Admiral of New
England, but died (1635) whilst preparing to sail from England to assume his duties.
z At the age of 15, Captain John Smith (1580-1631) of Lincolnshire was sent by his father to work as an
apprentice to Thomas Sendall, a merchant in the town. Smith would later became one of the principal movers
in the Virginia Company of London. He sailed on the 1606 journey - helping to establish the first permanent
English-speaking settlement in America, at Jamestown in Virginia.
z Samuel Whiting (1597-1679) was a former rector of St. Margaret’s Church in
King’s Lynn. He graduated from Emmanuel College in Cambridge
(Cambridgeshire). Whiting emigrated to New England in 1636, becoming the
first minister of Lynn in Massachusetts.
z The famous seafarer, Captain George Vancouver (1757-1798) was born in
the town on the 22 June 1757 (a plaque marks the spot of the now demolished
house). In 1771, he joined the first of several voyages with Captain Cook.
Later he gained promotion to Commander in the Royal Navy, undertaking his
own expeditions, such as surveying the Pacific Coast of America from California
to Vancouver Island.He also charting South West Australia, and negotiating the
acquisition of British Columbia in Canada. The city of 'Vancouver' is named after
him. A statue of Vancouver stands near the Custom House in King’s Lynn.
Captain George Vancouver
Norwich
In the early 1660’s Simon Huntingdon, his wife Margaret and children left for New England. Simon died
onboard, but Margaret settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts. One of their descendants is Samuel Huntingdon
(born 1731), a distinguished statesman during the Revolutionary War and early Republic. He signed the
Declaration of Independence on behalf of the state.
Paine, Thomas (1737-1809)
The most remarkable political writer and radical thinker of the late 18th C. Paine
wrote a series of influential books and pamphlets advocating social and political
change, which championed the rights of the common man. He played a prominent role
in both the American and French Revolutions. Born in White Hart Street,
Thetford - Paine was educated at the Free Grammar School in Bridge Street. In 1774,
he emigrated to America, and it was here that his talents really flourished. He was
soon writing in favour of American Independence, and by 1775 had become an
influential spokesman for the radicals. His famous pamphlet ‘Common Sense’ enjoyed
widespread success. With American Independence gained from Britain, Paine became
restless and returned to Thetford (via France), where he began writing in support of
the French Revolution - culminating in ‘The Rights of Man’ (1791). This was declared
sedition in Britain - mainly because of his views on religion and the abolition of the
monarchy. As a result - his works were banned, and Paine fled for France never to
Thomas Paine
return. In 1964, a statue of Paine was erected in the town of Thetford.
Pory, John (1570-1635)
Born at Thompson (nr. Watton), Pory was educated at Cambridge (Cambridgeshire). He emigrated on the
Third Supply - a fleet of nine ships carrying stores and immigrants. Pory became the First Secretary of the
Council of Virginia from 1619 to 1621 - and was elected speaker of the first representative assembly
held in America in July 1619.
Suffolk
Bacon, Nathaniel (1647-1676)
Son of a wealthy landowner, Bacon is known as the ‘Virginia Rebel’. He was born at Friston Hall
(nr. Aldeburgh) (not open to the public), and educated at St. Catherine’s College in Cambridge
(Cambridgeshire). Bacon sailed for Virginia in 1673 - purchasing a large estate alongside the James River. In
1676, he led a rebellion against Governor Berkeley - dissatisfied with the measures taken to defend
Jamestown against attack by the Native Americans. This eventually led to the burning of the town.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
10
10
Producedby
byEast
Eastof
ofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
Cavendish, Thomas (1555-1593)
English navigator, born at Grimston Hall (not open to the public), Trimley St. Martin (nr. Felixstowe). In 1585,
he commandeered one of the three ships sent by Sir Walter Raleigh (under Sir Richard Grenville) to establish
the first colony in Virginia - at Roanoke Island in present-day North Carolina. A year later, he became the
second Englishman to sail around the world, taking two years and fifty days.
Dawes, Thomas (1731-1809)
Descended from the Dawes family of Sudbury, Thomas is connected to the famous midnight ride of Paul
Revere. Revere had been employed by the Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Massachusetts
Committee of Safety as an express rider to carry news, messages and copies of resolutions as far away as New
York and Philadelphia. On the night of April 18/19 1775, Revere was sent to warn Samuel Adams and John
Hancock of British plans to march from Boston to seize patriot military stores at Concord. A signal was
established to warn if the British were coming by land or by sea. From the steeple of the Old North Church in
Boston, it was Thomas Dawes who would set the lanterns - two meaning the British were coming by sea, and
one would mean by land.
Hakluyt, Richard (1552-1616)
English writer and geographer. In 1590, he became rector of All Saints Church at Wetheringsett (between
Stowmarket and Diss). He strongly favoured the English colonisation of America - securing the prospective
living of Jamestown in 1605, the intended capital of the colony in Virginia. Hakluyt was friends with Captain
Bartholomew Gosnold, and almost certainly inspired and encouraged him to undertaken his two famous
voyages to the New World in 1602 and 1606. He is buried in Westminster Abbey in London.
Ward, Nathaniel (1578-1652)
Son of a famous Puritan minister, Ward was born at the town of Haverhill. Graduated from Cambridge
(Cambridgeshire), he also became a preacher. In 1634, he sailed to New England, and renamed the small
community of Agarram as Ipswich. He later returned to England becoming minister at St. Mary’s Church in
Shenfield (nr. Brentwood), Essex).
Winthrop, John (1588-1649)
Born at the village of Edwardstone, nr. Sudbury - Winthrop was the only son of
the lord of Groton Manor. He briefly attended Trinity College in Cambridge
(Cambridgeshire), before returning to help run his father’s estate. In 1605,
Winthrop was married to Mary Forth (daughter of a wealthy nobleman) at
St. Mary’s Church, Great Stambridge, nr. Southend (Essex) - where there is a
commemorative stained glass window. Two of his children were baptised in the
font here. In his early thirties, Winthrop began to study law at Gray’s Inn in
London, and around this time was introduced into the Puritan faith. In
1629, he was elected the first governor of Massachusetts, and a year later led a
John Winthrop
fleet of eleven vessels, with 700 passengers aboard to the New World. More
than 100 people came from Suffolk, about two-thirds being within a ten mile
radius of Groton. Winthrop has been described as the ‘Father of New England’, and is buried in the city of
Boston - which he founded in September 1630.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
11
11
Producedby
byEast
Eastof
ofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
Presidents Row
Five American presidents are connected to the region.
Adams, John - the 2nd President (1797-1801). Born at Braintree, Massachusetts in 1735. His great grandfather
was Henry Adams who had received a grant of land in the US – and sailed with his wife and seven children
aboard the Lyon (see page 7) in 1632.
Adams, John Quincy - the 6th President (1825-1829). Born at Braintree, Massachusetts in 1767 - this is the
son of 2nd US President John Adams. His great, great grandfather was Henry Adams who had received a grant
of land in the US - and sailed with his wife and seven children aboard the Lyon (see page 7) in 1632.
Bush, George - the 41st President (1989-1993), and the current 43rd President
(2001-present). They are descended from an Essex family, who farmed land around
the village of Messing (nr. Colchester) from at least the 14th C. The ancestral line
has been traced back to Reynold Bush - who is recorded in Messing’s 16th C.
Baptismal Register. The actual font has been moved to All Saints Church at Wakes
Colne (nr. Colchester). Bush emigrated to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1632,
where the family prospered, acquiring land and business interests which made
them widely respected.
Lincoln, Abraham - the 16th President (1861-1865).
His first known ancestor is Richard Lincoln, a churchwarden (1599-1620)
George Bush
who lived at a manor house (now The Angel Inn) in the village of Swanton Morley,
nr. Dereham (Norfolk). Richard’s seal can be seen in one
of the church windows. In 1615, he disinherited his eldest son Edward - forced him
to live in such poverty that three of his four sons emigrated to America. One of
them - Samuel was born at Hingham(Norfolk) in 1622, and baptised at St. Andrew’s
Church. He became an apprentice to Francis Lawes, a Norwich (Norfolk)
weaver - and in April 1637 (aged 15), Samuel and his master sailed from Great
Yarmouth (Norfolk) to settle in Hingham, Massachusetts. His great, great, great,
great grandson is Abraham Lincoln born in 1809. There is a bronze bust of the
President in Hingham’s church - a gift from members of the Lincoln family in the
US, and unveiled by the American Ambassador in 1919.
Abraham Lincoln
George Washington
Washington, George - the 1st President (1789-1797).
His great, great grandfather was Lawrence Washington (born in 1602), who was
vicar of All Saints Church, Purleigh, nr. Maldon (Essex) from 1633-43. In his honour
the flint tower of the church was repaired through the generosity of US citizens.
After leaving the parish, he and his family lived for a brief while at Tring
(Hertfordshire). Washington died in 1653, and is buried in All Saints Church at
Maldon (Essex), where there is also a window dedicated to his memory. It was
presented in 1928 by the citizens of Maldon, Massachusetts. His son John sailed for
Virginia in 1656. The Washington family's coat of arms contains the inspiration for
the US Stars and Stripes flag - a white shield with two red stripes across the middle
and three red stars above them. Visit the south porch at Chelmsford Cathedral
(Essex), which shows the shield in stained glass.
There are also other connections with the Washington family in the region. Little St. Mary's Church in
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) contains a memorial to a former vicar, the Reverend Godfrey Washington - who
was the great uncle of George Washington. The family coat of arms, with a black eagle atop a shield of
red stars and stripes adorns the tablet. Heading east, Hengrave Hall, nr. Bury St. Edmunds (Suffolk)
was built in 1534 by Sir Thomas Kytson, whose sister married John Washington. A window in the hall shows
the arms of the Washington family
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
12
12
Produced by East of England Tourism
Produced by East of England Tourism
The Friendly Invasion
During the Second World War, the East of England became home to hundreds of
US airmen. They began arriving in 1942, with many existing RAF airfields made available to the USAAF
(United States Army Air Force). By 1943, there were over 10,000 US airmen based in Britain. The largest
concentration was in the East of England, where most of the 8th Air Force and some of the 9th were located
on near a hundred bases.
The 8th Air Force was the largest air striking force ever committed to
battle, with the first units arriving in May 1942. The 9th Air Force was
re-formed in England in October 1943 - it was the operator of the most
formidable troop-carrying force ever assembled.
Their arrival had an immediate impact on the East Anglian scene. This
was the 'friendly invasion' - a time of jitterbugging dances and big
band sounds, while the British got their first taste of peanut butter,
chewing gum and Coke. Close associations with residents of the region
produced long lasting friendships, sometimes even marriage.
With the end of the Second World War, the RAF and USAAF were once again reduced
to a peace-time level, and many of the wartime sites were closed down, leaving the
more permanent pre-war airfields to be developed for the post-war air force. Today
visitors can discover many of the old airfields - which have found new uses or have
been returned to agricultural land. Many have been identified by special signs set
alongside the road, some have memorials to past squadrons, others have original
control towers which have been lovingly restored with displays and exhibitions. At
The Eagle pub in Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), and The Swan Hotel at Lavenham
(Suffolk), airmen have left their signatures on the ceiling and walls.
Places to Visit
For more information on the following, plus other places to visit, please visit our web
site - www.visiteastofengland.com
Cambridge American Cemetery
Coton, nr. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 7PH
Tel: +44 (0)1223 210350. Web: www.abmc.gov
The only Second World War American military cemetery and memorial in
Britain - established in December 1943. Visitor reception with information,
graves area and Memorial. Operated and maintained by the American Battle
Monuments Commission. Open all year. Admission free.
Imperial War Museum
Duxford, nr. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 4QR
Tel: +44 (0)1223 835000. Web: www.iwm.org.uk/duxford
The superb American Air Museum stands as a memorial to the 30,000
Americans who died flying from the UK in the Second World War. Inside
is Duxford's unique collection of US aircraft (past and present), such as
the B-17 Flying Fortress. Special exhibitions and airshows during the
year. Open all year. Admission charge.
Second Air Division Memorial Library
The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AW
Tel: +44 (0)1603 774747. Web: www.2ndair.org.uk
Collection of nearly 4,000 books on American topics, with approximately a quarter related to the role of the
2nd Air Division in the US 8th Air Force during World War II. Roll of honour, models, aviation paintings and
mural depicting 'Friendly Invasion'. Open all year. Admission free.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
13
13
Producedby
byEast
Eastof
ofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
USAAF Aircraft
The aircraft of the USAAF were the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator - used by the Bombardment
Groups (BG); and the P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning and P-47 Thunderbolt - used by the Fighter Groups (FG).
Bassingbourn (Cambridgeshire) was the wartime home of the famous 'Memphis Belle' - the first B-17 to
complete her tour of duty during World War II. At the Imperial War Museum at Duxford (Cambridgeshire),
look out for 'Sally B' the only airworthy Flying Fortress in the UK.
Famous People
Appleby, John
John Appleby was a serviceman stationed at Lavenham and Thorpe Abbotts (both in Suffolk) during 1945. He
spent his free time exploring the area by bicycle, recording his memories in a book 'Suffolk Summer'. Still in
print today, the royalities of the book maintain a rose garden at Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk.
Miller, Glenn (1904-1944)
Follow in the footsteps of Glenn Miller - and explore the region’s connections
with this famous US wartime bandleader. He was based in the Bedford
(Bedfordshire) area, along with his orchestra, during the Second World War.
z Glenn Miller was born on the 1 March 1904 in Clarinda, Iowa, USA. Aged 17,
he got his first full time job in Boyd Senter’s Band. Two years later he
enrolled at the University of Colorado - but left after just three terms to
pursue his musical career.
z In 1937, Miller formed his first full time band, having worked with other key
bandleaders such as the Dorsey brothers and Ray Noble. On the 4 April 1939
“Moonlight Serenade” is recorded for the first time, and a year later in
Glenn Miller
February, the band is voted America’s No. 1 in a dance band poll. In 1942,
Miller is presented with the world’s first Gold Disc for “Chattanooga Choo Choo”.
z Miller clearly loved his country, and although being over the call up age he decided on the 15 February
1942 (at the age of 38) to join the armed forces. He became a captain and was assigned to the Army Air
Core - becoming leader of the US Army Air Force Band.
z In 1944, the long awaited allied invasion of Europe was in an advanced stage of preparation. General
Eisenhower was acutely aware of the need to sustain the morale of the thousands of American servicemen
gathering in Southern England. To that end, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces agreed
with the BBC to set up a new radio service “The Allied Expeditionary Forces Programme”, and a
cornerstone of this was to be the US Army Air Force Band. On the 28 June, Miller and his band arrived in
Glasgow aboard the “Queen Elizabeth” - and after a brief period in London, was moved in July to the town
of Bedford in Bedfordshire.
z By 1944, the BBC had a number of studios at various church halls in the town, alongside the Corn Exchange
and Co-Partners Hall. On the 9 July, the band made their first ‘live’ broadcast from the Corn Exchange for
the AEF Programme - their music becoming extremely popular not only with the American servicemen, but
also with the millions of Britons tuning into their radio broadcasts. In between the huge broadcasting
schedule, the band undertook live performances at many of the US air bases throughout the South of England,
playing to troop audiences totaling 1½ million.
z The band were due to leave Bedford for Paris on the 16 December 1944
to play a series of concerts. Miller decided that he would go on ahead of
the band. But bad weather from the 13 December until the Friday, meant
that Miller’s departure was delayed. In the Officers’ Club at Milton Ernest
Hall (the US 8th Air Force Service Command HQ), nr. Bedford in
Bedfordshire - Miller discovered that a certain Colonel Baessell was going
to Paris at lunchtime on Friday 15 in a single engine Norseman aircraft.
Baessell offered Miller a lift, and shortly after lunch the two officers
climbed aboard the aircraft at RAF Twinwoods Farm airfield (Clapham,
nr. Bedford). Neither Miller, Baessell nor their pilot were ever seen again.
z On the 20 December 1944, the US 8th Air Force Service Command HQ
at Milton Ernest Hall issued an official notification that Major Alton Glenn
Miller and his two companions were “missing in flight, presumed to be
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
14
14
Producedby
byEast
Eastof
ofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism
Produced
lost”. In England and Europe, the unique Miller sound continued to please audiences until the 28 July 1945
when the band gave their last concert at La Havre in France. It’s last broadcast on the AEF programme was
the same evening. Miller’s death came as a complete and devastating loss - but he will always be
remembered, and it is a tribute to him that his music is as popular today as it was then.
Glenn Miller Trail
Start your tour at the town of Bedford in Bedfordshire, which during World
War II became a mecca for music making - home of the BBC Music Department
and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which was moved here from Bristol. In July
1944, this was further enhanced by the start of the AEF radio station, and the
music of Glenn Miller. The Corn Exchange was ‘Studio 1’, the major broadcast
and concert venue, and you will find a bust of Miller outside the building. The
Co-Partners Hall (now part of the Charles Wells Brewery) was the band's
rehearsal and broadcasting home.
Head north now along the A6 to Clapham (Bedfordshire), and the former
RAF Twinwoods Farm www.twinwoodevents.com This was not an American
bomber base, but was used by the AEF Band as a departure and arrival point.
From here the band flew to give concerts throughout the country. The
original control tower has been restored, and houses an exhibition dedicated to Glenn Miller. It was here that
Miller was last seen alive on the 15 December 1944.
Continue along the A6 to Milton Ernest (Bedfordshire), where the hall (now a
nursing home) was the US 8th Air Force Service Command HQ. Miller and his
band played concerts here on several occasions. Pay a visit to the Queen's
Head Hotel in the village, where Miller used to enjoy a pint. It contains
photographs and memorabilia. Thurleigh Airfield (Bedfordshire), just to the
north east, was the wartime home of the 306th Bombardment Group
www.306bg.co.uk, and a museum houses displays, artefacts and uniforms. The
AEF Band played a hanger concert here in 1944, with an audience of 3,000 men.
From here, it is only a short journey east to the University city of Cambridge
in Cambridgeshire, where you can visit the only Second World War American
military cemetery and memorial in Britain. Here on the “Wall of the Missing”
you will find MILLER, ALTON G. ……. AEF BAND. End your tour at the Imperial
War Museum, Duxford (just to the south of the city) www.iwm.org.uk/duxford,
home of the American Air Museum - with its superb collection of US aircraft.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
15
15
Produced by East of England Tourism
Produced by East of England Tourism
Little America
The East of England is home to two of the most important US airbases in Europe - and
the communities, towns and villages that surround them form our very own slice
of Little America.
RAF Lakenheath (Suffolk)
Tel: +44 (0)1638 523000. Web: www.lakenheath.af.mil
Began life as a decoy airfield for nearby Feltwell and Mildenhall. Assumed full station status in 1943, with RAF
Bomber Command. In 1948, the USAF arrive. Today it is England’s largest US Air Force operated fighter
base - the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing (based here since 1960), flying F-15 Eagles. It’s mission statement
is to provide responsive air combat power, support and services to meet our nation's and allies'
international objectives.
RAF Mildenhall (Suffolk)
Tel: +44 (0)1638 543000. Web: www.mildenhall.af.mil
Officially opened in October 1934, as one of the RAF's largest
bomber stations. Just four days later it became the starting point
of the MacRobertson England to Australia (Melbourne) Air Race. In
its first decade, Mildenhall became an important Bomber Command
base, leading the way for the Wellingtons and Lancasters. The site
first hosted American airmen in 1950, when USAF bombers began
operating. Today Mildenhall functions as the single point of contact
with the British Government for US forces in the UK and controls
all USAF activities in Britain. Mildenhall's diverse mission includes
aerial refuelling, special operations, air mobility,
reconnaissance and intelligence.
PLEASE NOTE: No part of this information sheet may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
prior permission of the publisher.
www.visiteastofengland.com
www.visiteastofengland.com
16
16
Produced
Producedby
byEast
Eastof
ofEngland
EnglandTourism
Tourism