US Ambassador Matthew Barzun marked the 400th anniversary of the death of Pocahontas in Gravesend with his final official speech as ambassador.

The ceremony at St George’s Church marked the start of a year of events commemorating the connection between the town and the Native American woman.

The church is believed to be the site of Pocahontas’ grave. She married an early US settler, John Rolfe, and travelled to England in 1616 but fell ill whilst attempting to travel back to Virginia and had to disembark in Gravesend where she shortly died in 1617.

At yesterday’s ceremony, the ambassador was joined by Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Greta Goatley, direct descendant John Rolfe, Crow Creek Cultural Ambassador to the UK Stephanie Pratt and Cllr Jordan Meade, Cabinet Member at Gravesham council, who at 21 is the same age as Pocahontas was when she died.

Before the ceremony they joined students from Thamesview School to lay 21 roses – one for every year of Pocahontas’ life – at the statue of her at the church.

The story of Pocahontas contains far more than the uplifting – and hugely popular – animated films from Disney.

The daughter of paramount chief Powhatan, Matoaka was born in what is now Virginia state around 1596, and known then and since as Pocahontas.

She was an influential figure in her community and lived through a period of exceptional change as the English established a permanent settlement in the ‘New World’.

Public participation agency The Big Ideas Company is working with the Pamunkey Tribal Council, the same tribe as Pocahontas, and the Pocahontas 2017 logo is a photograph of a gourd created by Pamunkey tribe member Ethan Brown. The gourd depicts a Powhatan story of the afterlife and an image of Pocahontas on her path to the spirit world.

Ambassador Matthew Barzun said: “We have heard today how Pocahontas’ bridge building inspires people.

"Heading home, I am so full of hope from today and inspired by Pocahontas and her example.

"Let us take inspiration from her and the generations of English people, known and unknown, remembered and forgotten who have tended her grave over the centuries.

"May they and Pocahontas give us the courage and curiosity to keep caring and to keep connecting.”

Virginia Crompton, chief executive of Big Ideas Company, said: “This marked a unique moment in history reminding us that English-US relations go back to the time of Pocahontas, and we’re delighted the US Ambassador was able to join us and share his reflections.”

The 2017 programme includes a public exhibition, a conference at the British Library, and the production of an international resource for schools with the British Council.

For further information regarding celebrations for Pocahontas anniversary in Gravesham visit http://www.visitgravesend.co.uk/whats-on/pocahontas-400/