Family-Finding Old World Connections across the Counties
We rarely go exploring in Britain with the idea of pursuing American history. It should hardly be surprising, though, to find American connections in almost every village and market town. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, here are 10 great visits that in one form or another played their part in American history from the first Atlantic exploration to the last century.
1. BRISTOL
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The first English explorer of North America, John Cabot sailed the Matthew out of Bristol in 1497. Both 17th-century colonial settlers and trade with the colonies flowed through Bristol’s still-fascinating harbor. Visit the replica Matthew and Brunel’s S.S. Great Britain.
www.visitbristol.co.uk
2. PLYMOUTH
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The Barbican is old Plymouth’s historic waterfront. Amidst the shops and eateries around the harbor, visit the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim congregation bid farewell to England. Unfold Plymouth’s adventurous maritime past at the Mayflower Museum.
www.visitplymouth.co.uk
3. ST. BOTOLPH'S CHURCH, BOSTON
4. GLASTONBURY PILGRIMAGE
Begun in 1924, on a June Saturday the ecclesiastical pilgrimage is a colorful church procession and service in Glastonbury Abbey's church ruins, at what is perhaps Britain's oldest Christian site. Devout gather from across England, and the world.
5. JORDAN, BUCKS
www.wokingquakers.org/background/centres/jordans
6. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE
The home near Trafalgar Square that Franklin occupied from 1757-1775 while representing the interests of the Colonies in London is the only residence of Franklin’s still standing. Now a museum of the colonial stateman’s life and work, it does a wonderful job enhancing visitors’ understanding of our multitalented diplomat.
7. SULGRAVE MANOR, NORTHHAMPTON
8. ALBERT DOCK, LIVERPOOL
9. MADINGLEY AMERICAN CEMETERY, CAMBRIDGE
www.madingleyamericancemetery.info
10. AMERICAN AIR MUSEUM, DUXFORD
At the Imperial War Museum, on a former World War II East Anglian airfield, Europe’s largest collection of historic U.S. warplanes remembers the 30,000 airmen killed in the war. The huge hanger contains all the classics: B17, B24, P47 and B25.
www.americanairmuseum.com
And as a bonus...
AMERICAN MUSEUM, BATH
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The museum at Calverton Manor on the hills above Bath makes a fascinating visit, replete with Conestoga wagon. American decorative and folk arts form the centerpiece—interpreting the American cultural melting pot for a British audience.
www.americanmuseum.org
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