Story of Droitwich's famous Mayflower passenger, Edward Winslow, to be told through series of events - The Droitwich Standard

Story of Droitwich's famous Mayflower passenger, Edward Winslow, to be told through series of events

Droitwich Editorial 5th Apr, 2018   0

DROITWICH Arts Network (DAN) is working alongside other organisations to create a series of events to tell the story of the town’s famous Mayflower passenger, Edward Winslow, ahead of the 400th anniversary celebrations.

Alan Davey, DAN’s representative for the Mayflower 400 project, told The Standard the network had been in talks with Droitwich Heritage Centre and Museum, Droitwich High School, Droitwich Library, St Peters Church and others to celebrate the man whose statue stands in St Andrews Shopping Centre.

In preparation for the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower in 2020, a number of events have been suggested, including a lantern parade, mural, banners, puppet shows, virtual tours and links to Droitwich’s Brine Heritage at the town’s Salt Fest.

Mayflower passenger Edward Winslow was born in Droitwich Spa in 1595, baptised in St Peter’s Church and attended King’s School at Worcester Cathedral.




Classed as one of the most influential of the Pilgrim Fathers, he became an ambassador to the Native Americans, was a New World leader and high level civil servant working for Oliver Cromwell.

His father, Edward Winslow Senior, is said to have owned a Salt Mine and was Under-Sheriff of Droitwich Spa.


With the aim of championing the values of freedom, faith and personal liberty, the national project will deliver a series of events and public art to celebrate the ship’s journey from Plymouth in the UK to Plymouth in Massachusetts, USA.

It is a unique opportunity to commemorate the legacy of the passengers and crew who undertook the journey and to highlight their stories and heritage, which is embedded in communities across the UK, US and Netherlands.

Alan Davey, said: “A statue of Edward Winslow stands in the town centre, a street is named after him and the Vestry of St Peter’s Church was dedicated to his memory.

“Despite this, many residents don’t know the story of Edward Winslow and we want to change that.

“It was agreed we need to commemorate Edward Winslow for the Droitwich and wider community to support education, heritage offering and legacy,” he added.

Visit www.droitwichartsnetwork.org for more information on the project and about getting involved.

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