Reconstructed Jamestown

During the 1600s England was a good place to leave. People were being forced off land they farmed and into poverty. Feudalism was breaking down and property owners (the lords) were selling and renting their land. This drove many into the cities to become vagrants. Many high-ranking gentlemen paid their passage to Virginia because, having older brothers, they would inherit the family estate. Only about half were indentured servants, craftsmen and laborers.