In a small Midlands market town stands an Old Hall.
It might be placed in a rural part of a quiet shire.
But exactly four centuries ago it answered the separatists’ call.
They sought freedom from state religion and authoritarian mire.

Shielded by the Hickman family, heeding John Smyth’s preaching.
They made their way to Boston Stump, for they were staunch.
And then the Pilgrim Fathers to the new world sailing.
The small leaky Mayflower was their launch.

It may seem a far cry from the Old Hall to that September day on Cape Cod.
From Tudor Manor House to Thanksgiving’s first plantation.
From royal visits by Richard the third and Henry the eighth, hardly roughshod.
To aid from Wampanoag native Americans.
Who then were cursed to damnation.

But freedom was the call.
And their story can still enthral.