Christopher Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Jones
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Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor by William Halsall
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| Born | ca. 1570 |
| Died | ca. 5 March 1622 Rotherhithe, England
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| Resting place | St Mary's Church, Rothertithe |
| Nationality | British (Subject of King James I of England) |
| Occupation | Shipmaster |
| Known for | Shipmaster of the Mayflower on its voyage to the New World in 1620 |
| Title | Shipmaster |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Twitt (m. 23 December 1593) Josian Gray |
| Children | Thomas, with Sarah Twitt (d. 17 April 1596) Eight children with Josian Gray |
| Parent(s) | Christopher and Sybil Jones |
Christopher Jones (born around 1570 – died around March 5, 1622) was a very important ship captain. He was the Master of the famous ship Mayflower. In 1620, he sailed this ship across the Atlantic Ocean. On board were the Pilgrims, who were looking for a new home in North America.
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Early Life of Captain Jones
Christopher Jones was born in a town called Harwich, in England. His parents were Christopher and Sybil Jones. The exact year he was born is not known, but it was around 1570.
Christopher was the oldest son in his family. He lived in a house on High Street in Harwich. When he was about eight years old, his father passed away. Christopher inherited a share in a ship called the Marie Fortune when he turned eighteen. This helped him start his career at sea.
Captain Jones' Marriages and Family
Christopher Jones was married twice in his life.
First Marriage to Sarah Twitt
On December 23, 1593, Christopher married Sarah Twitt. Sarah's family was quite wealthy. She lived across the street from Christopher in Harwich. They were married in St. Nicholas's Church.
About a year later, they had a son named Thomas. Sadly, Thomas died a few months after he was born. Sarah's father died in 1599. He left Christopher and Sarah a share in another ship, the Apollo. Sarah herself passed away in 1603. She was buried in Harwich.
Second Marriage to Josian Gray
About six months after Sarah's death, Christopher married Josian Gray. This wedding also took place in St. Nicholas's Church. Josian was a widow, and her father was also a ship owner.
Christopher and Josian had eight children together. Four of their children were born in Harwich. The family later moved to Rotherhithe in 1609. Their other four children were born there.
Community Life in Harwich
Christopher Jones was an active member of his community. After his first marriage, he used his inheritance to build his wealth.
In 1601, he was chosen as a "freeman" of Harwich. This meant he had special rights and responsibilities in the town. He helped the town by working as a tax assessor. He also served as a member of the jury.
In 1604, King James I gave a special document to Harwich. Christopher Jones was listed as one of the 24 main leaders of the town. In 1605, he was accused of owning hunting dogs called greyhounds. Only wealthy gentlemen were usually allowed to own such dogs. This shows he was becoming a respected person in the community.
Christopher Jones' Seafaring Career
With the money he inherited and gained from his marriages, Christopher Jones became a successful sailor. He even built his own ship, which he named the Josian after his wife.
He often sailed between England and other parts of Europe. He made trips to places like Norway, Bordeaux, and Rochelle. On his way out from England, he would carry woolen cloth. On his return trips, he would bring back wine.
The Famous Mayflower Voyage
Christopher Jones was also a part-owner of the Mayflower. He had been the ship's captain for about 11 years. In 1620, the Mayflower was hired for a very important journey. It was to carry the Pilgrims to North America.
Captain Jones, along with 102 passengers and 30-40 crew members, left Plymouth, England. They set sail in September 1620. After a long journey, they arrived in North America in November.
Captain Jones and his crew stayed in the New World through a very cold winter. They helped the Pilgrims get settled. In the spring of 1621, he sailed the Mayflower back to England.
Later Life and Death
The harsh winter he spent in the New World likely made Captain Jones very sick. He passed away around March 5, 1622. His burial was recorded in the church records of St Mary's church in Rotherhithe.
His old house in Harwich, on King's Head Street, is still standing today. It is a reminder of the brave captain who sailed the Mayflower.
