William Bradford born 1588 in Austerfield, Yorkshire sailed on the Mayflower 1620. He was elected Governor of the Colony for 34 years. Governor Bradford wrote a book called "On Plymouth Plantation." about his experiences. The Pilgrims were the first celebrate Thanksgiving which is still enjoyed today.

2. Around 1588 a boy was born to honest parents, in an obscure village called Austerfield, Yorkshire. Where people were unacquainted with the Bible.

3. by Anne Hollingsworth Wharton, 1915

4. St Helena’s Church where William was baptised. William’s family were Yeoman farmers and owned the land they worked.

5. TommY Gunn - flickr William was not well as a child, to fill his time, he took to reading the Scriptures.

6. 1607

7. In 1604 at Hampton Court, James 1st King of England and his bishops met and approved a new set of rules that the Separatists were unwilling to follow.

8. 100 Anglican Clergy refused to comply and were stripped of all their possessions and lost their living.

9. The Separatists made their escape to Holland and lived there peacefully for 12 years. Unable to secure civil autonomy, they voted to emigrate to America.

10. The passengers drew up the Mayflower Compact before making their historic landing on 21st December 1620.

12. William describes the First Thanksgiving in his own words in “On Plymouth Plantation.”

13. Here is the first page of The Governor’s book.

15. 2007

18. St Helena’s Church Austerfield