Belles Ruches Apiary

circa. 1622 - Image: First recorded shipment of honeybees to Virginia, America were brought in a vessel similar to this 17th century English merchantman ship.
Via: Historical Honeybee Articles - Beekeeping History

Several skeps of bees were sent by the Virginia Company in London to the settlement in Virginia in December 1621. The image depicts a 17th century English merchantman ship of about 400 tons, similar what the Bona Nova and Hopewell would have looked like. One of these ships were believed to have brought the first honeybees to Virginia, America. Honeybee colonies at this time of the year would be dormant, increasing the chances of colony survival during the trip. The skeps of bees were either packed in crates or hogsheads (barrels) and stored below deck for shipment, where they would have stayed cool and in a dormant state throughout the trip..

Records from the Virginia Company in London indicate when bees were shipped to Virginia, America.

The following is a quote from:
Eva Crane, World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting, Pg. 359

“On 5 December 1621, the Council of the Virginia Company in London wrote to the Governor and Council in Virginia: ‘We have by this ship (from the context, either the Bona Nova or the Hopewell) and the Discovery sent you divers sorte of seed, and fruit trees, as also Pidgeons, connies (rabbits). Peacock maistives (mastiffs), and Beehives, as you shall by the Invoice perceive; the preservation and increase whereof we recommend unto you.’

At this period the voyage could take 6-8 weeks. The arrival of the hives, presumably early in 1622, is not recorded, but we have no reason to believe that they did not reach Virginia safely, because by May 1622 the Discovery, the Bona Nova and the Hopewell had delivered 20, 50 and 20 settlers.”

Source:
Eva Crane, World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting, Pg. 359

Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrim_Fathers

Last chance for a prep talk, before the honey 🍯 show!