After Henry VIII separated from the Catholic church, England was torn by religious upheaval. The basic rivalry between Protestant and Catholic was ultimately decided in favor of the former, but the Puritans felt that the Church of England hadn't gone far enough in removing Roman influences. In the late 16th century in in Babworth, Nottinghamshire, pastor Richard Clyfton preached a separatist message. Membership if the Anglican church was mandated by law, and Clyfton's followers faced persecution. Some of them eventually left for the Netherlands, but, unhappy there, they later hired the Mayflower to transport them to the new world. In 1620 they made landfall at Plymouth, Massachusetts (shown here by Bumblejeep44). In 1621 they celebrated their harvest with a feast to give thanks to God. I hope that this year has given you all much to be thankful for and that the year to come will as well. Have a great day!