This traditional English pub with stunning river views is known to be the oldest pub on the River Thames. But more importantly, it overlooks the mooring place of the legendary Mayflower ship right before the start of its journey to the New World with passengers who would become the first permanent settlers of the land that eventually became the United States. Rumour has it that Captain Christopher Jones moored here to avoid paying taxes further down the river.
The pub that stood here at the time was called The Shippe pub. Just imagine sitting there back then, watching Mayflower heading off for America… The building changed owners many times since then and survived several makeovers. It was given its current name in 1957 in honor of its connection with the famous ship.
Captain Jones returned to London on the Mayflower but died less than a year later and was buried at St. Mary's church in Rotherhithe, just a minute walk from the pub. A commemorative plaque to the voyage of The Mayflower now adorns the side of St Mary’s church and a memorial statue, dedicated to the memory of Captain Christopher Jones, sits in the churchyard.
