Separatist, also called Independent, any of the English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who wished to separate from the perceived corruption of the Church of England and form independent local churches.

Why did the Separatists come to America?

The Pilgrims and Puritans came to America to practice religious freedom. ... The Separatists, under the leadership of William Bradford, decided to leave England and start a settlement of their own so that they could practice their religion freely.

Who were the first Separatists?

The first wave of Separatist pioneers—that little band of believers sneaking away from England in 1607—would eventually be known as Pilgrims. The label, which came into use in the late 18th century, appears in William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation.