HARWICH is the “forgotten town” in the nations celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower, it has been claimed.

Trustees of the Mayflower Project in Harwich, who hope to build replica of the ship that sailed to America in 1620, have hit out at the lack of recognition for the town.

It comes after new government minister for arts, heritage and tourism, John Glen, visited Plymouth and the Mayflower 400 team on Monday.

John Acton, trustee, said: “We are the forgotten town.

“The Mayflower stopped in Plymouth by accident so why are they getting all the money and all of the glory.

“The Mayflower was registered in Harwich, the captain came from here and married the landlady of the Alma.

“Crew from the ship came from here.”

The Mayflower 400 celebrations are being led by Plymouth UK and Plymouth Massachusetts but include other locations linked to the historic ship and voyage.

The website says the Mayflower is believed to have been built in Harwich sometime before 1600, and was commanded and part-owned by her Master, Captain Christopher Jones.

But John said the town has failed to get any support or funding on the back of the anniversary.

“The Mayflower met up with the Speedwell in Southampton but the Speedwell was leaking so came into a coast town,” he added.

“Then they were 200 miles out and it was taking on water again so they went to Plymouth.”

The Mayflower then set off for America on its own on September 16, 1620.

John said: “And they are getting all this publicity and ministers visiting while Harwich has more claim to it.

“We are only trying to do the best for the people of Harwich - it’s disgraceful.

“Plymouth has had £120m towards the celebrations on 2020, but what has Harwich got, we can’t even get funding from the lottery.”