As a result of political conflict in England between King Charles and Parliament religious dissenters were prosecuted. Rev. John Lothrop was imprisoned from 1632 to 1634. While in prison, his wife, Hannah Howse (House) died. He was banished to America upon his release. He led a group of followers to Scituate, Plymouth Co., MA. They sailed on Sept. 18, 1634 on the Griffin to Boston, Suffolk, Co., MA. Rev. John Lothrop would later lead a group to Barnstable, Barnstable Co., MA. Today Barnstable considers Rev. John Lothrop to be its founder. His house is now the town library.