Sian Appleyard
Faith, Fish & Fur
Print: Collagraph
Around 200,000 people sailed to North America in the 1600s driven by poverty, persecution and the lure of promises. Funding this emigration were merchants, eager to make golden profits and with eyes on an expanding demand for salt cod and beaver fur. The Pilgrims were unable to escape without financial help so they struck a deal. The Merchant Adventurers would put up most of the capital and the Pilgrims, free to worship as they wished, would have to work for them for seven years and repay the debt in trading goods. The chance of a better future now seemed within their grasp, the Mayflower arrived to a Cape Cod sunrise, a new day and, for its passengers, hopes for a new life.