 During the 16th century locally produced wool was the major export commodity . Plymouth was the home port for successful maritime traders , among them Sir John Hawkins , who led England 's first foray into the Atlantic slave trade , as well as Sir Francis Drake , Mayor of Plymouth in 1581 and 1593 . According to legend , Drake insisted on completing his game of bowls on the Hoe before engaging the Spanish Armada in 1588 . In 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World from Plymouth , establishing Plymouth Colony – the second English colony in what is now the United States of America . 
