Pilgrim descendent will take part in ‘Illuminate' event

Carrie Southwell, local resident and direct descendent of a Pilgrim Father on the Mayflower, will take part in Plymouth’s ‘Illuminate’ event and light the candle at the Mayflower Steps.

The event, which is organised by Plymouth’s Mayflower 400 project team and takes place on Thursday 20 November at 6pm, will mark the start of the official countdown to the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing. Plymouth Massachusetts will hold their ‘Illuminate’ event on Friday 21 November where the UK event will be screened.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Pete Smith said: “Plymouth will be commemorating the “special relationship” between Plymouth in the UK and US at this unique event. We welcome Carrie, along with an Attaché from the US Embassy and other dignitaries from the Mayflower Trail to a small civic service at the Mayflower Steps, where we will remember the Pilgrims as they left on their voyage, as well as celebrate our links with Plymouth in Massachusetts.”

During the service Carrie will light one candle and carry it onto The Hoe where a further 1,000 candles will be lit to illustrate the quote by Governor William Bradford in his book Of Plimoth Plantation which states, “As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled has shown unto many,”.

Carrie, who currently lives in East Devon, is a direct descendent of William Brewster, the ruling Elder of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. He played a major role in planning and organising the trip to America, he remained the ruling Elder of the Plymouth Colony until his death in 1644. 

William’s name can be seen on several plaques in The Barbican and Sutton Harbour associated with the Mayflower, including those at The Mayflower Steps, Plymouth Gin and Elizabethan Gardens.

Carrie’s mother, who was born in Massachusetts, moved to England when she married an English British Army Officer in 1952, leaving behind relatives that still live in Cape Cod who are members of the Mayflower Society.

Carrie said: “I feel privileged to be invited to the Illuminate event and light the first candle of the evening. I have always been very proud of my American roots and knowing that I’m related to William Brewster makes me feel very honoured. Remembering him and all of the Pilgrims that left Plymouth all those years ago will no doubt make me, and many others feel quite emotional on the night. I hope that many others in Plymouth will join us at this event.”

Other dignitaries confirmed to attend the event include those from Southampton, London, Nottingham, Lincolnshire, Dartmouth and an Attaché from the US Embassy.

Members of the public are invited to light a candle on The Hoe as part of this celebration. Carrie will arrive on the Hoe with her candle at approximately 6.35pm and the public will light 1,000 more at approximately 6.45pm.

Plymouth Citybus has donated 1,000 bus tickets to help people travel to and from the event. Bus tickets will be valid for one day only, and can be claimed by emailing visit-plymouth@plymouth.gov.uk and will be issued on a first come first served basis. Family tickets can be provided.

For more information about Illuminate visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk.