William Bradford

Born in England in 1590, he became part of the Separatist community that first fled to the Netherlands and later sailed to North America on the Mayflower in 1620. After the death of Governor John Carver during Plymouth Colony’s first difficult year, he was chosen to lead the settlement and went on to serve as governor for much of the rest of his life.

He is best remembered not only as a political leader but also as a writer. His chronicle Of Plymouth Plantation is a key firsthand record of the Pilgrims, describing the voyage, the colony’s struggles for survival, and the beliefs that shaped the community.

Bradford died in 1657, but his work remains central to the story of early New England. For listeners today, his life offers both a window into colonial history and a personal voice from one of its defining moments.