St Edmundsbury’s connections with America are being highlighted with bikes, a boat and a plaque.
Captain Bartholomew Gosnold’s ship, the Godspeed, has been recreated in living plants, in the Abbey Gardens. The project has been generously sponsored by the Friends of the Cathedral. Steve Burgess, borough Head Gardener, and his team used over 2000 plants to make the magnificent freestanding display which will last all summer. It will be unveiled by the newly elected Mayor of St Edmundsbury, Cllr Margaret Charlesworth.
At the same time, the Mayor will launch a series of four new cycle trails that highlight many other American connections in Suffolk. A keen cyclist herself, the Mayor will bring her own bike to the event, making a further connection with the distinguished American, John Tate Appleby.
John Appleby, a biographer of early English kings, was born 100 years ago this year. He wrote an affectionate record of the months he spent bicycling around East Anglia, towards the end of World War II. He donated the royalties of Suffolk Summer for the maintenance of the gardens of the Abbey at Bury St Edmunds, and the John Appleby Rose Garden honours his name. The cycle trails have been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
A plaque will also be placed in the Great Churchyard commemorating Captain Gosnold, the founder of Jamestown, Virginia, and family members buried in the graveyard. These include his wife, Mary, her parents Robert and Martha Golding and his daughter, Martha. It is believed that Martha's Vineyard in New England, USA is named in her memory.
Cllr Lynsey Alexander, Portfolio Holder for Culture, the Arts and Parks said:
‘These associations show how St Edmundsbury’s much-valued heritage is linked with America’s. We are delighted to celebrate them and to continue to welcome visitors who come to discover the treasures of the borough for themselves’.
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ISSUED BY SALLY EASTON, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL, Tel 01284 757046 sally.easton@stedsbc.gov.uk
