Many famous voyages started from here including the Mayflower pioneer colonists of North America. Plymouth suffered heavy bombing damage during WW2 but the Barbican area escaped. Shortly after WW2 it was threatend by post war reconstruction and the run-down state of the properties. Fortunately, a group of local businessmen bought the properties and converted and renovated them. The Barbican is now a poplular venue for both locals and tourists.