The Journey to the Mayflower: God's Outlaws and the Invention of Freedom

The 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower is a foundational event in American history, but it began as an English story of religious freedom. This book tells the story of the illegal underground movement of Protestant separatists from Elizabeth I's Church of England, which was full of subterfuge and danger. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the untold story of how the Mayflower came to be launched.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2021
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, has written a captivating book titled "The Mayflower: A New World Story." In 2020, we are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower, the ship that transported the Pilgrim Fathers to the New World. While this event is foundational in American history, it began as an English story, pioneering the idea of religious freedom.

The illegal underground movement of Protestant separatists from Elizabeth I's Church of England is a tale of subterfuge and danger. It involves arrests, interrogations, prison, and executions. Queen Mary's attempts to burn Protestantism out of England led to the creation of a Protestant underground. When Elizabeth's Protestant reformation didn't go far enough, radicals recreated that underground, meeting illegally throughout England, facing prison and death for their crimes. They eventually went into exile in the Netherlands, where they lived in poverty before finally making their way to the New World.

Stephen Tomkins, the author of this fascinating story, has done an impeccable job of researching and presenting it. He weaves together a narrative that is rarely told as an important piece of English and American history, but is full of contemporary relevance. The book addresses issues such as religious violence, the threat to national security, freedom of religion, and tolerance of dangerous opinions.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the untold story of how the Mayflower came to be launched. It is an engaging and entertaining read that serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding religious freedom in our current age. Tim Farron MP, in his review of the book, praised it as "a riveting story ... impeccably researched history ... engaging and entertaining, this book serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding religious freedom in our current age."

In conclusion, "The Mayflower: A New World Story" by Dr. John Sentamu is a captivating book that delves into the history of religious freedom and the Pilgrim Fathers' journey to the New World. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, religion, and contemporary issues.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473649118