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Guided Walk of London with a Mayflower Descendant

Rotherhithe, London: Origins of the New World

As a descendant of four passengers on the Mayflower, tourist guide Emily Laurence Baker is especially excited to commemorate the 400 anniversary of the ship’s sailing.

This walking tour passes along the River Thames in Rotherhithe, while Emily describes the background of Mayflower passengers and the impact of their arrival on the indigenous people of America. Her message may even challenge what visitors have been taught in school.

The walk emphasises drama: the hardships of the 66 days on board a small vessel in rough seas; how brave these individuals were to found an outpost of the British Empire; and their perseverance in founding a settlement when they did not initially have legal right from England.

Emily will discuss motivations, practicalities and how this incredibly diverse group of people managed to work together to form a community. Hear more about individuals who undertook the journey, particularly William Bradford, Christopher Jones and some of the women on board.

She will examine why such a small group continues to have such a powerful impact on the American psyche, mainly in the legacy of Thanksgiving but also in that the Jamestown settlers had arrived in 1609.

So, why so much focus on the Pilgrims?

The answer is probably due to Emily’s ancestor, William Bradford, who dutifully recorded the settlers' adventures.

Where?

The walk covers about 1.5 miles and focuses on Mayflower history, but also covers Rotherhithe as a shipping centre (including shipbreaking); riverside pubs and, of course, the role of the Reformation in England’s development and as impetus for the Mayflower sailing.

Tour provider

Emily Laurence Baker MITG, London Blue Badge Tourist Guide

Contact

Emily Laurence Baker 07770 612244 / emilylaurencebaker@gmail.com

Booking details

Contact Emily directly via email at emilylaurencebaker@gmail.com

Tour Highlights

Walk with Emily Laurence Baker, a qualified Blue Badge Guide and a descendant of William Bradford
Explore the cobbled streets of Rotherhithe on the banks of the River Thames
End with lunch at one of London's most historic pubs overlooking the River Thames

Options / Add-ons

Optional lunch / drinks at The Mayflower Pub
Can expand to half-day tour with other elements of the area - possibly longer walk from City of London or just from Tower Bridge - or visit to Brunel Museum

More about the package

Price: £15 per person for a two-hour walk

Group size: Minimum of six people, maximum of 25. Emily will do private, personalised tours for a longer duration (contact her directly for more information).

Special equipment needed: Comfortable walking shoes; wet weather gear if appropriate.

Accessibility, considerations and facilities: Wheelchair access will be slightly difficult with rough pavements etc.

Availability frequency and advance booking: Clients should contact Emily directly to arrange a date. She will personalise the tour to the group and arrange a date according to availability and clients' desires.