A project to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas’ arrival and death in Gravesend has been awarded a £18,500 grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Gravesham council’s Pocahontas 400 project will feature a high profile programme of events and community activities to celebrate the life of one of the first Native Americans to visit Britain.

Pocahontas was the daughter of Powhatan, the paramount chief of a network of tribes in Virginia. She was the first of her nation to convert to Christianity after being captured by English settlers and became an advocate for peace between the English and Native Americans.

She married an early settler, John Rolfe, and travelled to England in 1616. She fell ill whilst attempting to travel back to Virginia and had to disembark in Gravesend where she died soon after.

The funding for this important historical project will draw attention to Pocahontas’ historic and cultural significance within the economic and religious context of her time.

The full project will start this autumn. There will be a series of talks, exhibitions, art sessions, work with schools and community activities throughout the commemoration programme.

A final event will culminate in a river procession, parade and commemorative service in St George’s Church on March 21, 2017, the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas’ burial.

Cllr Jordan Meade, Cabinet member for Tourism and Heritage, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“The Pocahontas 400 project will commemorate the unique story of Pocahontas’ time in England from 1616 -1617 and how her arrival and untimely death at Gravesend has been embedded in the unique history of the town.”

Stuart McLeod, the head of the HLF in the South East, said: “Pocahontas is a figure we’re all familiar with but less is known about her time spent in England and her connection to Gravesend.

“This 400th anniversary is a fitting moment to look again at this famous story and consider its impact on us today. We’re delighted to be supporting this project with money raised by National Lottery players.”

You can find out more at www.pocahontas400.co.uk

A guided tour of Gravesend commemorating 400 years since the death of Pocahontas takes place on Saturday. Meet historian Christoph Bull at 2.30pm at Towncentric, opposite St George’s Church. It costs £4. Booking is essential, call Towncentric on 01474 337600.