Mayflower 400 Southampton

Westgate Tower Exhibition

Southampton’s fourteenth century Westgate was where the Mayflower and the Speedwell left Southampton in August 1620, bound for America. Today, thanks to SeeSouthampton, the Westgate Tower is home to a temporary exhibition telling the story of the people involved and the events that took place while the two ships were in Southampton.

The Exhibition is open each Sunday from 10am until 3pm. Free entry.

The exhibition features many important events that took place in the port around the Mayflower’s departure, such as the reading of Pastor John Robinson’s letter, an interpretation of which can be seen on a short video. Displays feature the encounter with Thomas Weston and the writing of the letter to the Merchant Adventurers as well as the arrival of William Brewster in the Southampton.

The various displays, including a steel model of the Mayflower, tell the stories of Mayflower passengers, such as local men John Alden and Stephen Hopkins as well as the men who were in the port buying essential supplies.

There is a display of John Alden’s workshop and a collection of cooper’s tools so you can discover how the Speedwell was repaired. 

Plus, each Sunday starting at 11.00am from St Michael’s Square, there is a one-hour walking tour that visits locations in the Old Town of Southampton associated with the Mayflower. This walk also includes a free copy of the book “Provisioning the Mayflower”. The walk costs just £10 and concludes at the Westgate Tower with a reserved visit.

Only a small number of people can be accommodated in the Westgate Tower at any one time, so it is essential to book in advance by emailing: info@seesouthampton.co.uk with your name, telephone number and preferred visiting time, as well as the number in your party. Your ticket will be emailed to you.

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