John Winthrop

Previous colonies had failed, Winthrop argued, because they were 'carnall not religious'. Only a enterprise governed in the name of the reformed religion stood a chance.

As the fleet set off, on Easter Monday 1630, Winthrop was in a mood of exaltation, seeing himself and his companions taking part in what seemed a Biblical episode - a new flight from Egypt into the Promised Land.

Among the leading spirits, those venturing out to create something new, valuable, and durable, the overwhelming thrust was religious.