Plymouth Massachusetts 2001

“In June, 2001, the City of Plymouth cemented formally what surely must have been one of the oldest municipal links in existence.”

The entering into a formal twinning agreement with Plymouth Massachusetts, at long last, recognised a link which had begun in 1620, when the "Mayflower" set sail from Plymouth, carrying the Pilgrim Fathers to fulfil their destinies in the New World.

Since those days of untold hardship, the community of Plymouth Massachusetts has grown and flourished. Today it is an extremely attractive blend of the old and the new with a clear appreciation of its historical relevance and fiercely proud of its links to England.

Located on Plymouth Bay, across from the Cape Cod Community of Provincetown, (population 52,000 approx), the town has industries producing metal goods, textiles, cordage and processed foods. Plymouth is also a fishing centre and summer resort.

The Pilgrim Fathers founded the first permanent European settlement in New England and among the many associated attractions are Plymouth Rock, the Pilgrims legendary landing spot, Burial Hill cemetery which contains the graves of several of the Pilgrims, and many preserved and restored 17th century houses.

Also of interest are Plimoth Plantation, containing a recreation of the Pilgrim village as it was in 1627 and the "Mayflower II", a full-scale replica of a boat similar to the original "Mayflower"

Both municipalities are extremely proud of the link and are pledged to provide information and encourage visits to and from their respective communities.