Boston in Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Reverend John Cotton and Boston's American Legacy

Photographed by Ray Gurganus

1. The Reverend John Cotton and Boston's American Legacy Marker

Inscription. In 1612, The Reverend John Cotton was appointed vicar at St Botolph's Church. He was a passionate man of character who challenged the church with his beliefs and teachings. He wished to change the church from within and was known as a Puritan seeking to remove (purify) practises from a recently reformed church.

The Rev Cotton was hugely popular and people travelled long distances to hear his sermons which sometimes lasted five hours. He was however unpopular with the church authorities and was often in trouble with them for sharing his beliefs.

Unable to change the church, he inspired members of his congregation to seek a new life in America. Between 1630 and 1634, about ten percent of Boston's population left for a new life abroad, between 200 and 300 people. This group included many educated and powerful residents a mayor, a lawyer, a headmaster and many others who helped shape the colony in America that they founded in 1630.

Members of this newly established American congregation became Governors of the new city. The first American school, the Latin Free School was based on Boston Grammar School this school would eventually evolve into Harvard University.

And the name of this new city? Boston, in honour of the town they had known, loved and left behind.

Erected by Boston Borough Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1612.

Location. 52° 58.714′ N, 0° 1.413′ W. Marker is in Boston, England, in Lincolnshire. It is on Market Place. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in England’s Midlands.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British

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Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within walking distance of this marker: The Puritan Vision (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line).

Stained Glass window in St Botolph's Church, Boston, depicting John Cotton image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus

2. Stained Glass window in St Botolph's Church, Boston, depicting John Cotton

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?