Come the Revolution

Colonial Williamsburg: 19-21^st September

Betsy Nicholas learns the harsh realities of  life,
as does her maid, Sarah, in a prestigious family in Williamsburg

With WJ3 safely tucked up in Sarah Creek, we deserted her for a few days to explore the Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown).  Well, that was the plan.  Thanks to Ray, we had a lift into Yorktown to catch the connecting free bus to Williamsburg.  Thanks to Ray, we had a lift (14m) into Williamsburg because the free bus is no more…  Ray even waited at the Visitor’s Centre because he thought we might need a lift to our hotel.  How nice is that?  American hospitality at its best!

Marquis de Lafayette grants us an interview

Don't argue with the Auctioneer!

Our hotel was at the doorstep of Colonial Williamsburg’s Visitor Centre and a stop on the shuttle servicing the historic district.  At a planning meeting (over coffee, naturally) we decided to drop Jamestown (9 miles away, no bus, long walk) and concentrate on Williamsburg itself.  Armed with a map & daily programs, we could ponder on the best offerings scheduled for the coming 2 ½ days.

We crammed in as much as humanly possible, sitting in on vignettes of the lives of the Colonials (remember, we’re talking British Colony here).  We discovered various trades (masonry, blacksmithing, millinery), admired heritage gardens, tried not to disturb the odd ghost or two, learned a few soldierly tactics (very handy), ate local, joined in a pub crawl (pumpkin beer – eeuw!), bid at an outdoor auction, left our calling card at the Governor’s Palace and finally, met with George and Martha Washington (as you do).

The Governor's Carriage perhaps

In a nutshell, the history of this area is central to events that led to the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).  James Fort, settled in 1607, marks the first permanent settlement of English colonists in the Americas.  Captain John Smith (of Pocahontas fame) strongly supported the new colony and became its leader (1608-09) before heading off to explore the Chesapeake.  Jamestown served as the Colonial capital from 1616 to 1699.  The land was Powhatan (American Indian) and by 1632 early colonists sought additional protection, building a fortified settlement on higher ground between the York and James rivers.  Known as Middle Plantation, later re-named Williamsburg, this town grew to become the capital of Virginia (1699 – 1780) and a busy crossroads of the British Empire. 

Place setting at Shields Tavern

And fine accompaniment with our meal

Remember the Great Bridge battle in 1775?  Governor John Murray was in residence at the Williamsburg Palace during 1771-1775.  (“Palace” was used in irony given the huge expense to the public purse.)  Following his defeat at Great Bridge, Murray abandoned the Palace for the safety of a British ship.  His popularity had “waned” somewhat; he sent his family back to England and never returned to the Palace.  The Governor's personal effects were sold off by the townsfolk (to support the war effort) and thankfully, some of the furnishings and effects we see today (the originals) are donations back to Colonial Williamsburg. 

The Palace Cook with a selection of dishes he'd prepared

Mantua Maker (Seamstress) hand sewing a dress 

George & Martha Washington discuss cloaks with the Tailor in his Shop

Ending the day with a little marching and music