A BOOK about the man who built a replica of the Mayflower Ship is hoped to be sold in select towns with a connection to the boat, including Harwich.

The Wicked Pilgrim is a biography about Warwick Charlton (pictured) who built and sailed a replica of the Mayflower to America in 1957, when he handed it over to the people of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

His son, Randal, has detailed his father’s life and his time after reaching the US in the new book, including why he called himself a wicked pilgrim.

He said: “He was a man who knew everyone from Winston Churchill to members of the New York mafia. In war and peace, he lived without fear.”

The 448-page book is being released first at a few English destinations.

Mr Charlton said he is currently trying to find somewhere to stock the book in Harwich. It is also available at thewickedpilgrim.com.