The ship Mayflower was used as a cargo ship trading (often in wine) between England and other European countries, principally France but also Norway, Germany and Spain. At least between 1609 and 1622 it was mastered by Christopher Jones, who was Captain on the transatlantic voyage, and based in Rotherhithe. He was buried in the graveyard of St. Mary's Church, Rotherhithe following his death in March 1622, and it is likely that the ship was broken up for scrap lumber there in the following year. The Mayflower Barn just outside the Quaker village of Jordans in Buckinghamshire, England, purports to be constructed from these timbers.
Details regarding the size and overall dimensions of the Mayflower are unknown, but it has been estimated from its load weight and the usual size of 180-ton merchant ships in the period to be 90-110 feet in length and about 25 feet in width. (The size of a ship is measured, not by its own weight, but by burden (the amount the ship can carry). The term "ton," as used to measure the burden of a ship, derives from the word "tun," a large cask used for storing wine as it was being shipped.) Careful research went into designing a replica, the Mayflower II (launched on September 22, 1956), to make it as much like its namesake as possible.
Initially the plan was for the voyage to be made in two vessels (the other being the smaller Speedwell). The first voyage of the ships departed Southampton, England on August 5, 1620, but the Speedwell. developed a leak and had to be refitted at Dartmouth. On the second attempt, the ships reached the Atlantic, but once again were forced to return, to Plymouth because of the Speedwell's leak. After some reorganisation the final 66-day voyage was made by the Mayflower alone.
With the crowding of 102 passengers plus crew, each family was allotted very little space for personal belongings. At one point, the ship's main beam cracked and had to be repaired using a large iron screw. The Mayflower landed at Renews on the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, where it picked up water and supplies from local fishing families before sailing on to Cape Cod. Their intended destination was a section of land in the area near the Hudson River. The ship, however, was forced off course by poor weather on the second half of the voyage.
As a result of the delay, the settlers did not arrive at the future site of Plymouth Colony until the onset of a harsh New England winter. They had failed to reach Virginia, where they had permission from the London Company to settle. To establish legal order outside of this jurisdiction, and to quell increasing strife within their ranks, the settlers wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact. On April 5, 1621 the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts on a return trip to England, arriving back on May 6, 1621. The passengers on the Mayflower were the earliest permanent settlers in New England.
Limewood and walnut double planking assure a sturdy and beautiful hull. Pre-colored wooden pieces for quater-deck and bow ornamentation eliminate intricate painting. Fittings consist of boxwood blocks, walnut deadeyes, wood and metal anchors, cast metal lifeboats and burnished metal gunport lids. Sailcloth, two diameters rigging line, silk-screened flags, metal nameplate and wooden display cradle complete the kit. Seven sheets of detailed plans and instruction booklet help you build an accurate Mayflower ship model.
Intermediate Skill Level.
Length 18-3/4" / Height 15-3/4" / Scale 1:70
For new or limited experience wood modelers,
we strongly recommend the technique book
Ship Modeling Simplified.
Please note: The manufacturer of this wood kit is based in Italy.
Although complete plans and instructions are included, the limited English instructions
provided require critical thinking and some modification as needed.
This is not a build by numbers kit, and is not for everyone. Additional technique books, and or
access to the advice of an experienced wood modeler or wood model club is
recommended.
To see other wood model ship kits: please click
here.For tools, books, & glue: please click
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