As the site of a great university, Leyden furnished them intercourse with learned men and access to valuable libraries.

Robinson was admitted a member of the university, and before long appeared as a disputant on the Calvinist side in the public discussions.

Brewster taught the English language to the Dutch, and, opening a publishing house, printed many theological books.

Bradford devoted himself to the study of the ancient languages, "to see with his own eyes the ancient oracles of God in all their native beauty."[12] Their stay at Leyden covered the period of the famous twelve years' truce between Spain and Holland, and their number increased from one hundred to three hundred.

Among the new-comers from England were John Carver, Robert Cushman, Miles Standish, and Edward Winslow.