The Mayflower Steps are a commemorative representation of the spot where the Pilgrim Fathers last left England in 1620. The “Mayflower” originally set sail from Southampton, but bad weather forced the vessel to take shelter in Plymouth Harbour. Here, the Pilgrim Fathers made essential repairs to their ship before they were able to cross the Atlantic Ocean to North America. Because of the significance of this voyage to American history, the Mayflower Steps are a particular favourite among American visitors to the West Country.