Making history live!
Sue Allan is a well known historical novelist and Mayflower Pilgrim historian. Her novels include ‘The Mayflower Maid, ’Jamestown Woman’, ‘Restoration Lady’ and ‘Tudor Rose’ – as well as several non-fiction books and magazine articles. She was also until recently Senior Guide with Nottinghamshire-based Pilgrim Tours and delights in guiding modern day ‘pilgrims’ around the Mayflower Trail as she vividly retells their story in the places many of them knew so well.
Modern day ‘Pilgrims’ enthralled by Sue’s retelling of the separatist’s story at Austerfield.
To book a tailor-made Mayflower Pilgrim Tour around the Mayflower Trail, visiting Babworth, Scrooby Church & exclusive authorised access to the site of Scrooby Manor, Austerfield and Gainsborough Old Hall guided by Sue Allan, please contact info@mayflowermaid.com or telephone +44 (0)1673 878398 for availability and prices.
Why not take your history group or club on a budget Mayflower Pilgrim Tours self-drive car tour with Sue guiding your group at each point around the Mayflower Trail and maybe stopping for a picnic lunch in between?
Sue Allan is also delighted to act as an independent guide for other tour operators.
Sue with American actor Kirk Cameron as she retells the story of Richard Clyfton at Babworth Church.
What others have said about touring with Sue
My wife and I, both originally from Massachusetts and steeped in Pilgrim lore, had a fascinating Mayflower Pilgrim tour with Sue Allan in which not only did we visit the sites where "it all began," but Sue provided historical context in dramatic fashion. Wonderful! Do not miss the opportunity to tour with her.' --Len Silvester, Arizona, USA. (October 2009)
'Thanks again for giving me such a great education on the Pilgrims '- Jim Wilson, Belgium. (Feb 2010)
'Thanks again for your Mayflower Pilgrim Tour, it was by far the highlight of our trip.'- Ron Janetzke., San Antonio, USA. (April 2010)
'Oh my! How to describe our experience with Sue? 'Tour' wasn't the word because a regular tour guide just talks from a script- Sue speaks from the soul and moves your spirit in the process. And is there anything she does not know about this subject?' Art Lans, Mesa, Az.
' I would say I met Ms. Allan quite by chance -- if I believed in "chance" and "coincidence". It was obvious from the start that the "mad woman" (her words) who picked us up in her beat up car was possessed. Possessed by the spirits of the Separatists and the spirit of the movement which was: to be able to pursue a relationship with God on your terms. To have a one-on-one, 24/7 relationship with the ALL. To hear the Truth from Him personally. To live that Truth out. To wrestle with It and see if It passes the ultimate test. Is your life better for It? Are the lives of those around you better for It?
I posed a question very early on in our tour to Ms. Allan -- something to the effect of "How did you get into this?"
"I'll answer that when we get to the Old Hall," she said.
And true to her word, when we arrived at Rose Hickman's portrait, we were told the story of how Ms. Allan's journey on the Pilgrim Trail began and evolved. How she and Rose Hickman joined forces to tell the truth about this period in history. A story which she also relates in her book "Tudor Rose".
I must say that THIS story -- Ms. Allan's story -- was THE most powerful story I heard that day. And that's quite a statement as Ms. Allan is a master story teller and second to none on the subject matter of all things Separatist.
I might even venture to say that HER story was one of the most powerful stories I've heard. Ever. Full stop. Which is why, when people comment on my lovely burlap shopping bag with Gainsborough Old Hall emblazoned across the front, I immediately launch into telling them Ms. Allan's story first and the follow it up with the bits and bobs I remember from the tour (sorry, Sue!).
In my gut -- for that is where you know the TRUTH -- I am certain that Gainsborough Old Hall was and continues to serve as a spiritual and literal hub of the Separatist movement. That Old Hall inspired Ms. Allan and myself to follow the path of the Separatists -- to pursue our relationship with God, to share the truths we learn from that relationship in our own way. And allow others to do the same. - R L Arnett, Chula Vista, CA.USA
Where to stay in Pilgrim country?