In What Season Are The Pilgrims Traveling?

Because of the summer delays, the Mayflower did not officially depart from Plymouth, England, until . This shifted their entire voyage into the peak of the North Atlantic storm season.

The Pilgrims’ journey did not start on the Mayflower alone. In , two ships—the Mayflower and the Speedwell —set sail from Southampton, England. in what season are the pilgrims traveling?

Specifically, they begin their journey in . Because of the summer delays, the Mayflower did

There was, however, one grim advantage to traveling during this season. Because it was late in the year, the Atlantic hurricane season was mostly over. While the seas were rough and the ship was tossed by strong North Atlantic storms, they avoided the hurricanes that would have almost certainly destroyed their small wooden vessel had they sailed earlier. In , two ships—the Mayflower and the Speedwell

However, historical fact tells a very different—and much harsher—story.

They did not travel in the warmth of summer, nor the plenty of harvest; they traveled on the edge of winter, which makes their survival all the more remarkable.

The poem specifically opens with the month of , describing how the "sweet showers" of the season end the drought of March and bring flowers back to life. This time of year was traditionally chosen for pilgrimages because the improving weather and blooming nature symbolized spiritual renewal. Destination: They are journeying to Canterbury Cathedral to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket . Starting Point: The group meets at the Tabard Inn in Southwark before beginning their trek.