The name "New England" was used by John Smith when he surveyed the northern east coast in 1614, along what later became Massachusetts and Maine, producing a surprisingly accurate map. He applied the term to the general region granted to the Plymouth Company of Virginia, the "northern Virginia", although he did not indicate any specific borders. The name was given approval by Prince Charles when John Smith returned to England from that voyage. Published in England, his map was in use thereafter for more than a century, including use as a guide for the colonists from the Mayflower in 1620. Even though the name rapidly entered usage to designate that region, some references continued the use of "Virginia" for that northern area as well.
The life of he pilgrims was hard, being mostly Puritans. If you want to find out more about the daily life of the people and the Puritans, use one of the links below to go to them.
Content by Matt