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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Meet the Pilgrims

The leaders of Plimoth (and Massachusetts Bay) were flawed but idealistic — willing to sacrifice comfort for religious principles.


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“He was tenderhearted and compassionate of such as were in misery.”

- William Bradford describing Elder Brewster

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An actor portrays William Brewster seated at a table with books and water pitcher.
An actor portrays William Brewster. There are no accurate images from the period.
- Becurry

Climbing the Wrong Ladder: Elder Brewster
 William Brewster studied for a time at Cambridge University before serving as a diplomat in Holland where he observed reformed religious practices. When his mentor, diplomat William Davison, fell out of favor with Queen Elizabeth, Brewster remained loyal to Davison feeling that he had been unfairly scapegoated. This act of personal courage may have been a turning point. In later years he fled to Holland, was targeted for arrest for religious publications, and eventually sailed on the Mayflower.

Peterhouse at Cambridge University, where William Brewster studied. Brewster chose a modest life in Plimoth, known for his warmth and integrity, unlike many pilgrims who came from poorer backgrounds.
William Brewster studied at Peterhouse in Cambridge University. He rejected a privileged life for a small house in Plimoth and a reputation for warmth and integrity. Most Pilgrims came from poorer backgrounds.
- University of Cambridge

William Bradford
As a young man Bradford came under the influence of Elder Brewster. The death of his parents during childhood had a profound effect on Bradford’s life. Enduring a long illness he read the Bible and religious tracts. Although Bradford had potential to become a more significant landowner, his religious convictions drove him to leave England. He became the most influential governor of the Plimoth Colony. Respected for wisdom and moderation he could show toughness when the colony was threatened.

A photo of a monument to William Bradford

William Bradford

A photograph of William Bradford’s home

William Bradford’s home

Speak for Yourself, John
 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the children’s poet, helped burnish the Pilgrim’s image. His story of John Alden proposing to Priscilla Mullins, on behalf of his bashful friend Myles Standish, is memorable – as is her reply – “speak for yourself John.” Longfellow introduces real historical figures but not real history. Standish, the colony’s military leader, was not bashful but overly aggressive at times, particularly with Native people.

The Courtship of Miles Standish’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, published by Tichnor, depicting a man talking to a woman as she spins yarn.
The Courtship of Miles Standish
- by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Tichnor

Plimoth Colony Vignettes
John Howland fell off the deck of the Mayflower during a storm and survived by grasping a rope that had come loose. John Carver was the first governor of the Plimoth Colony. Although influential in organizing the voyage of the Mayflower, he died in the spring of 1621. Of 102 passengers on the Mayflower, 45 died the first winter.