Southampton’s Forgotten Role in the Pilgrims’ Journey

The Birth of the USA

Let’s take a detour form Marketing, shall we? A tangent, if you will, into some forgotten history that deserves its moment in the spotlight.

While my roots are Down Under, having been born in Australia, I grew up in the historic port city of Southampton. You’ve probably heard of it; Titanic’s ill-fated departure point, the launchpad for the Battle of Agincourt, and the birthplace of UK Garage icon Craig David. But there’s another, less celebrated claim to fame: Southampton’s key role in the Pilgrims’ journey to the New World.

Yes, I’m talking about that journey, the one that popular history insists began in Plymouth. But the truth? It started in sunny Southampton.

I talked about this in my Thanksgiving episode that was published back in November 2024, so give that a listen if you haven’t already!

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Setting the Stage: The Pilgrims’ Precarious Beginnings

Let’s rewind to the summer of 1620. In Southampton, two ships were being readied for a historic voyage: the famous Mayflower and its lesser-known sidekick, the Speedwell. This wasn’t just a logistical effort; it was a gamble. The Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, were supported by a group of London investors, charmingly called “The Adventurers.” Their partnership was fraught, The Adventurers wanted tangible returns in the form of resources from the New World, while the Pilgrims were primarily chasing freedom and faith.

The Mayflower, a sturdy vessel built for transatlantic voyages, was up for the challenge. The Speedwell? Not so much. Originally a coastal trading ship, it wasn’t designed for anything close to the rigours of crossing the Atlantic. Still, hope was high as preparations unfolded in Southampton.

Trouble at Sea

The Mayflower and Speedwell set sail from Southampton on 5 August 1620. But the excitement was short-lived. Barely out of port, the Speedwell began leaking. They limped into Dartmouth for repairs, and after some patching up, the two ships tried again.

However, the Speedwell failed once more. This time, the leaks were catastrophic, forcing both ships to turn back yet again. This time, they docked in Plymouth.

Here’s where it gets suspicious. Some historians believe the Speedwell’s crew may have sabotaged the ship deliberately, unwilling to risk the perils of a transatlantic voyage. Whatever the cause, the Speedwell was abandoned in Plymouth. Some passengers chose to stay behind, perhaps vindicating the sabotage theory.

Those who pressed on crammed onto the Mayflower, forcing a hasty reshuffle of supplies and passengers.

Plymouth’s Fame, Southampton’s Overshadowed Glory

By 6 September 1620, the Mayflower finally set sail from Plymouth, marking what history books enshrine as the official beginning of the Pilgrims’ journey. But had the Speedwell held up, Southampton—not Plymouth—would likely be the celebrated departure point.

Southampton wasn’t just a footnote. It was the city where the expedition was prepared, financed, provisioned, and launched with optimism. Without Southampton’s contributions, the voyage might never have happened at all.

Giving Southampton Its Due

While Plymouth gets all the glory, Southampton’s role as the original departure point deserves recognition. It was here that the Pilgrims’ dreams were fuelled, where the logistics were sorted (mostly), and where their faith in the journey was first put to the test.

So next time you hear about the Mayflower and Plymouth, spare a thought for Southampton, the unsung hero of this historic adventure.