THE 400TH anniversary of an iconic Southampton monument is to be marked today with a special event.

The Southampton Heritage Federation (SHF) is to mark the 400th Anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower at the Speedwell from Southampton.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organisation had to change original plans for the event to ensure the protection of the city.

SHF feel that the day must be marked to “show our pride” that Southampton was the chosen place of departure of the Mayflower and Speedwell on this day four hundred years ago when - carrying more than 100 men, women and children - they departed on a difficult journey.

This morning, a socially distanced group will meet to mark the important day and our pride that Southampton was chosen for departure due to being the safe harbour.

Organisers promised that the event will not be “as large and dramatic” as the event held in 1970 to mark the 350th anniversary of the sailing.

Joining John Sanders, Chair of the Southampton Heritage Federation, will be five distinguished guests: the Mayor of Southampton and Admiral of the Port of Southampton, Councillor Sue Blatchford representing the people of Southampton; Reverend Dr Sarah Hall Group Minister at Avenue St Andrew’s United Reformed Church; Sandy Hopkins, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council that has financed the first major restoration of our Mayflower Memorial since it was installed in 1913; Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive Officer of the Mayflower Theatre; and Arthur Jeffrey, Chairman of the City of Southampton Society who has assisted this event’s organisation. Arthur organised the 350th Anniversary back in 1970 when it was able to be a “public” event, attended by 1,000 people.

John Sanders will make a speech followed by a reading from Reverend Dr Sarah Hal. She will read a letter drafted by Pastor John Robinson to be read to passengers and crew of Speedwell and Mayflower that was to take them from Southampton’s safe harbour to the Americas in 1620.

A Mayflower 400 rally, hosted by Royal Southampton Yacht Club and Royal Naval Reserve Yacht Club, will sail until August 26, linking Southampton, Dartmouth and Plymouth. The flotilla will carry‘Mayflower Badges’ for the city's 1920 Mayflower Pageant.

The Mayor of Southampton will then read a personal letter addressed to Mayflower and Speedwell passengers. The event will start at 9am.