Scrooby to Austerfield Follow the A638 north to Bawtry, and then take the A614 to Austerfield, home of William Bradford and his fellow Pilgrim, William Butten. St. Helena’s Church lies behind its churchyard on the main road. William Bradford was born in the village of Austerfield in the winter of 1589-90 and was baptised in St. Helena’s Church. In 1591 his father died and he was sent to live with his grandfather. As a young man he grew increasingly interested in the scriptures and was inspired by the preaching of Richard Clyfton. In 1606 he joined the Scrooby congregation. He became a gifted member of the Separatists and rose to become one of the leading Pilgrim Fathers and principal figures in 17th century New England. Austerfield to Gainsborough Leaving the church, head back to Bawtry and take the A631 towards Gainsborough. Take a short diversion for superb views over Pilgrim Country, by turning left into Gringley-on-the-Hill, an historic village on a high ridge. From Beacon Hill spot Lincoln Cathedral on the horizon to the south east and look out for the River Idle to the north, along which the Pilgrims tried to make their escape to the sea. Back on the A631, after crossing the River Trent, follow the brown signs to Gainsborough Old Hall. A large timber framed medieval manor house, its one of the most complete to survive in the country. From 1596 until 1720 it was the home of the Hickman family. The Hickmans had sympathetic leanings towards the Separatists. It seems possible that they gave their patronage to John Smyth, who held regular meetings at Gainsborough. Among his friends and auditors were William Bradford, William Brewster, John Robinson, and Richard Clyfton, although once they arrived in Amsterdam the friends pursued divergent paths.
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