%Cv%s4%b%fc%mBruton Parish Church and other Williamsburg, VA Things to Do Tips

Bruton Parish Church

This church which is Episcopal was built in 1715 and is still in use. In the belfry is the bell that was presented to the parish in 1761 and is still rung when services are held. The baptism font was brought from Jamestown church in the late 1750's.

The church is free to enter and is not part of the Day Pass needed for the other buildings.

Donations are gladly accepted for the upkeep of the church.

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Phone: 757-229-2891
Address: Duke of Gloucester Street
Website: www.brutonparish.org

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Things To Do: Bruton Parish Church

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

Rev.Goodwin plaque

Volunteers in the church are more than happy to tell you about its history.

The Reverand William A.R. Goodwin became rector in 1903 and it was he who wanted the colonial town restored to what it once was.

This plaque commemorates the Rev. Goodwin and was dedicated by John Rockefeller jr in 1941.

On seeing his name it was quite a coincidance as this was my late fathers name!

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Phone: 757-229-2891
Address: Duke of Gloucester Street
Website: www.brutonparish.org

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Things To Do: Bruton Parish Church

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

George Washington's Pew

On the lecturn in the church which was given by President Roosevelt is a bible which was given to the Church by King Edward VII.

The pews have little doors at the end of each aisle, these were because the church was cold and drafty. Some pews are named for those who sat there including Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Monroe and Tyler who all at times attended this church.

This photo of me looking trying to cool down from the heat outside is taken sitting in the pew for President George Washington.

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Phone: 757-229-2891
Address: Duke of Gloucester Street
Website: www.brutonparish.org

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Things To Do: Bruton Parish Church

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

Altar

The altar rails are made of black walnut. Behind the altar is inscribed the Creed and the Lord's prayer. Communion silver dates back to the 1600's. The silver is only exhibited on special occasions.

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Phone: 757-229-2891
Address: Duke of Gloucester Street
Website: www.brutonparish.org

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Things To Do: Rev Goodwin's Restoration

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

Armistead House

Reverand Goodwin the rector of Bruton Parish Church wanted this colonial town to be restored to show the American people what their country stood for, their desire for freedom from the British and their American Constitution. It had fallen into disrepair with corrugated workshops and tacky store fronts. He approached Rockefeller and his dream became a reality. Rockefeller gave $65 million and also later his son's and daughter also contributed.

Many companies and individuals also donated to this restoration, not just with monetary donations but with 18th century artefacts and furniture to make the buildings as authentic as possible.

This beautiful house is a private residance in Colonial Williamsburg.

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Phone: 800-246-2099
Website: www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

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Things To Do: The Capitol Building

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

Capitol Building

The Capitol Building was built between 1703-5. It was an important place where legislation and laws were passed.

No chimneys and fireplaces were built and no candles and pipes were allowed in case of fire. But the building became damp and and so chimneys and fireplaces were added. However in 1749 a fire brought down the whole building except some walls and the foundations. Some wanted the Capitol Building built elsewhere which would be more accessible but a vote was taken and a new building was erected and completed in 1753.

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Phone: 800-246-2099
Address: Duke of Gloucester/Blair Street
Website: www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

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Things To Do: Capitol Building

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

Rear of Capitol Building

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson met here in May 1765 before the revolution. The Capitol after 1779 moved to Richmond.

This building was then used for other things including a court, law school and a hospital. It again suffered a fire in 1832.

When Colonial Williamsburg was restored this new building was built on the design of the original one. A ceremony for its opening was held in February 1934.

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Phone: 800-246-2099
Address: Duke of Gloucester/Blair Street
Website: www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

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Things To Do: Governors Palace

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

Governor's Palace

The Governor's Palace was built in 1722. It took 16 years to build. Apparently this was because the money ran out during building work. When finished it had 3 floors, wine cellars, balconies, an ice house, stables and carriages and horses.
A ballroom was added in 1752.

It was here that the last ruling British governor Lord Dunmore fled in 1775 when British rule collapsed.

Later that year the whole building was destroyed by fire.

Thomas Jefferson was the last governor here until 1780 when the government moved to the new capital of Richmond.

In 1781 it became a hospital for american soldiers wounded in the Yorktown battle. Over 150 are buried in the gardens.

The existing building was completed in 1934.

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Phone: 800 246 2099
Address: Palace Green
Directions: When walking from the visitor's centre this is one of the first buildings you will see.
Website: www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

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Things To Do: The Courthouse

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

The Courthouse

This building was built between 1770- 71 in the centre of the village on Market Square. It was here on the steps that the people of Colonial Williamsburg gathered to celebrate the end of the war with the British. That was on 1st May 1783.
The courthouse was used for 160 years.

During the civil war it was used as a hospital by the confederates, after the battle of Williamsburg. In 1911 there was a fire and only the wales were left. In 4 months the building had been rebuilt. Today you can attend and hear 'real cases' and watch 'mock trials' which have been recorded in the archives.

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Phone: 800-246-2099
Address: Duke of Gloucester Street/Market Sq
Directions: Opposite the Magazine (Arsnal)
Website: www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

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Things To Do: The Stocks

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Written by bugalugs

on Jan 17, 2004

The Stocks & Me!!!