You are currently viewing the Plymouth site. Find your local Activ site click here »

Home >> community >> Plymouth - Private History

Plymouth - Private History

Add News

Plymouth's Private History
The history of Plymouth is bursting with some of the most important characters and interesting events and Plymouth punches above its weight when it comes to its historical past. Not many cities can claim to have had such an influence on the United Kingdom and the rest of the world, something that all Plymothians should be proud.
We may have all heard of Sir Francis Drake heading off the Spanish Armada after finishing his game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe. The victory, saving Queen Elizabeth I from being dethroned by the Spanish, was possibly the starting point of Royal Navy becoming the world’s dominant sea power and subsequently the emergence of The British Empire.
Not so well known was that just one year later, after a failed mission in Portugal, Drake returned to Plymouth disgraced by his furious Queen and his reputation sunk to rock bottom somewhere in Plymouth Sound.
Why visit Plymouth
  National Trust events in Plymouth
Twenty four years after Drake’s death the Mayflower set sail for the New World from the Plymouth Barbican. 102 pilgrims endured the 66 day voyage and, although one man died during the crossing, the same number still arrived at Cape Cod on November 11, 1620, thanks to the birth of Oceanus Hopkins.
The Mayflower Steps in can be seen today on the historic Plymouth Barbican and is a ‘must have’ photograph for visiting Americans. It must fill them with a sense of pride and joy to tread in the same footsteps as their pilgrim forefathers almost 400 years ago and to experience the birthplace of their nation and of the American dream.
However, due to the later reconstruction of the Plymouth Barbican the Mayflower Steps were moved from their original position. There is a plaque on a granite wall nearby that marks the place close to where the Pilgrims embarked on their epic voyage.
Not so well known is that if you wish to stand on the exact spot that the Pilgrims last walked on English soil, you will have to pay a visit to the ladies toilet in the Admiral MacBride public house situated a few yards away. What the Pilgrim Fathers would have thought of that is anyone’s guess.
 All about Plymouth  Hotels in Plymouth
   


Comment about this Article


Search Activ Plymouth
Sponsored Listings
Browse reviews by categories

See All >>

See All >>

Plymouth Local Information
Most Popular Choices
Useful Information
;
Business Directory

Plymouth Building & Construction | Plymouth Business Opportunities | Plymouth Business Services | Plymouth Computers & Internet | Plymouth Education | Plymouth Employment | Plymouth Entertainment | Plymouth Financial and Legal | Plymouth Food and Drink | Plymouth Health and Beauty | Plymouth Home and Garden | Plymouth Manufacturing & Engineering | Plymouth Media & Communication | Plymouth Motoring | Plymouth Public & Social Services | Plymouth Shopping | Plymouth Sports and Leisure | Plymouth Travel & Transport | Plymouth Weddings | Plymouth Others |

Useful Links

Dartmoor letterboxing | Hotels in Plymouth for your wedding | National Marine Aquarium | Plymouth Life Centre | Christmas Events in Plymouth | Chemist Opening Hours | Golf in Plymouth | Scoot-A-Long | Plymouth Radio Club | Plymouth Free Schools | Simon Rickett | Dillon Boivin

Plymouth

A fun and interactiv guide to Plymouth. What is Plymouth really like?

Find Your Region or Town
Use the dropdown boxes below to find your local region and town and we'll not only find the nearest Activ website but we'll also show you information relevant to your choice.