| Group leader | John Sinclair |
| Telephone | 01306 711542 |
| johnsinclair451@gmail.com |
This year (2020) is the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower to North America. One of the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed on her was William Mullins, a shoemaker from West Street, Dorking.
To commemorate this anniversary, the Merchant Venturers have been researching into Dorking residents at the time of the sailing. We are trying to trace families who lived in Dorking at that time and whose descendants are still living in the area 400 years later.
Having looked at parish and other records along with a visit to the Surrey History Centre in Guildford, we have found that the following families may have lived here continuously since the sailing: Collins, Hall, Rose, Simmonds (or Simmons) and Wood.
If you think you might know one of these families, we would love to hear from you with any details you can provide, having of course first obtained permission from the family concerned. If you might be one of these families. especially if you have any family history that you would be willing to share with us, do please let us know.
Our intention is to mount a public display in Dorking to mark the anniversary later this year, Government restrictions permitting.