On November 12, 1439, Plymouth, England, became the first town incorporated in England by the English Parliament.

Plymouth is situated on the English Channel and has been used as a settlement and port for over one thousand years dating back to the Bronze Age. Plymouth slowly grew from a settlement into a trading post for the Roman Empire.

In 1254, Plymouth was recognized by Royal English Charter. Then, on this day, November 12, 1439, English Parliament granted Plymouth the very first town Charter in England.

Over the next three centuries, Plymouth became a focal point for voyage, discovery, and military progress. For example, likely the most well-know expedition involved the Pilgrims from Plymouth. The Pilgrims were persecuted for the puritan beliefs in England so they set sail for America on the Mayflower in 1620. After a dangerous and rough trip across the Atlantic Ocean, the Pilgrims eventually landed in Plymouth Harbor and established the second permanent English settlement in now what is the United States of America.

Today, Plymouth is one of the more populated cities in England with over 250,000 people. Plymouth’s economy is still highly influenced by its access to the sea, shipbuilding, and Devonport Dockyard, which is the largest operational naval base in Western Europe. Plymouth also has a growing service-based economy and is home to Plymouth Argyle F.C., a professional soccer club.