An unsung hero from Dorset’s past is being remembered in a new book by a local historian.

Dorchester's New World: The Vision of John White, Founder of Massachusetts chronicles the life and achievements of the Reverend John White, a 17th century rector who lived in Dorchester.

Revd John White’s legacy preceded Dorset, however, very few people know his name which is an issue the book’s author David Cuckson says he hopes to fix.

He said: “I believe that John White's legacy should be more widely known. He played an important role in Dorchester’s history.”

Revd John White inspired men and woman from Dorset to emigrate to New England in the 17th century during the English Civil War, and played a vital role in building a new Dorchester in America, which is now the largest suburb in Boston, Massachusetts.

According to David, it was Revd John White’s determination that led him to create a new life for so many people.

He said: “He got local merchants to chip in money to fund the Dorchester company. It struggled at first but then he went to London and got more and more people involved and that led to the creation of the Massachusetts Bay company, which helped to relocate people to America.”

Revd John White also played a large role in transforming Dorchester in Dorset after it was devastated by a fire in 1613. He helped to introduce social welfare reforms such as education for the poor, and charity housing for the elderly.

David described Revd John White’s reforms as ‘ahead of the time.’

He said: “He rallied the people of the town after the terrible fire of 1613. That fire destroyed a large slice of Dorchester.

“I admire his vision for turning the town of Dorchester into a caring community, and seeing this vision replicated across the Atlantic. He really was an inspiration.

“Dorchester as a town was ahead of its time under Revd John White’s leadership and it became a model for other towns.”

David’s interest in Revd John White only increased when he became involved with Dorset County Museum’s initiative to bring Revd John White’s old rectory back to life.

He said: “The new initiative by the Dorset County Museum to bring the old rectory into the main body of the museum provides a great opportunity to celebrate his achievements both for Dorset residents and for visitors to the town from elsewhere, especially those from the USA seeking to explore the roots of their nation.”

The museum has been trying to draw attention to Revd John White’s legacy and has appealed to the Heritage Lottery Fund to help rebuild his old rectory.

In 2014, a live video link was also held with residents from Dorchester, Massachusetts, to attract wider support for the museum’s initiative. For many people in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Revd John White holds the key to understanding their ancestry.

Lord Julian Fellowes, who chaired the link, is also one of the first people to review David’s new book.

He described the book as: “A fascinating account of the achievements of John White, the Dorchester Rector who played a vital role in helping the persecuted escape from King Charles’s England to the New World. He is one of the true founding fathers of America and his story deserves to be commemorated on both sides of the Atlantic.”

*David’s book is available to buy from the shop of the United Church in Dorchester and the shop of Dorset County Museum.

The book will also be available on Amazon.com for residents of Dorchester, Massachusetts.