William Bradford was an English Separatist leader and one of the Pilgrims who founded the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. He served as the governor of the colony for many years and played a crucial role in its early governance and survival. Bradford is best known for his work, "Of Plymouth Plantation," which provides a detailed account of the Pilgrims' journey and experiences in the New World. Born in 1590 in Yorkshire, England, Bradford joined the Separatist movement seeking religious freedom. In 1620, he sailed on the Mayflower with other Pilgrims, facing numerous challenges upon arrival. His leadership helped establish a stable community, and he is remembered as a key figure in early American history.