21-RICHMOND, VIRGINIA-PART 2: WILLIAMSBURG and WESTOVER CHURCH

We had been to Williamsburg a few years ago, and wanted to go back. We had only a few hours to spend there and although it deserves a visit of a couple days, we take what we can get.

The fall colors on the drive from Richmond to Williamsburg were themselves, totally enjoyable and a promise of more to come.

Oh, by the way, did I mention that as I write these “catch up” blogs, we are on the way home? My knees have gotten really bad. Walking has become very difficult and painful and climbing stairs just can’t happen for me anymore.

Plan A was to continue this trip to Florida to see friends and family, but as a friend said, “Pain always trumps plans.” So this is Plan B.

When I get home I will get a bright, shiny new knee in January and a second one a few months later. Then I’ll once again be running around like a 20-year-old… Well, maybe not.

OK, now back to Williamsburg.

The color in Williamsburg as we entered the Historic Section was spectacular.

As soon as we entered the main street, we noticed a large group of people, many in period dress, congregated in an open area out in front of the Governor's home.

There was a lot of shouting and speech-making going on. Getting there a bit late, we weren’t sure exactly what was going on.

A carriage drove down the street, oblivious to what was going on.

A couple black ladies near me talked between themselves about the unfairness of these men being upset over “freedom” when there were slaves sold at market here on a weekly basis.

The men had their own troops, drummer and fife player.

The Governor and his wife finally came out of their house…

…to discuss issues with the main rebel.  It seems the conflict was over the colony seeking freedom from England.

After a discussion between the two men, there was a bow and the Governor….

…and his wife returned to their home.

I wish we could have been there for the beginning to know more of the details, but at the same time were pleased to witness what we did.

From this point on, we wandered the streets of Williamsburg. If you have more time, like a day or preferably two, you can buy a ticket that gives you entrance to many of the buildings, performances, and artisans that demonstrate life in Williamsburg as it was back in the time of the Revolution. Since we didn’t have that much time, we passed on the tickets.

A church that still holds services is on the main street, and as is common in that part of the country, even today, there is a cemetery in the church yard.

This is a typical Williamsburg scene…

…the home and the carriage.

Here are some other scenes of Main Street. 

Not all buildings are white.

Some are brick and some of them are taverns (restaurants).

This is a typical Williamsburg scene, many people are in period costume all over town.

This building was a tavern where you could buy food or drink.

I suspect this one may have specialized in drink.

Many of the homes along Main Street are privately owned by the Park that owns Colonial Williamsburg and are rented out to employees who work here. Others are opened for the public to visit.

One building we were able to go into was the original Post Office/Store. Since back in the day, letters rarely arrived, they also sold an assortment of goods there as well.

We never knew what we would find around the next corner.

This was the Capitol Building for 75 years. It was here that Patrick Henry denounced the Stamp Act in May 1765.

On May 15, 1776, a Virginia Convention unanimously proposed that the Continental Congress “declare the United Colonies free and independent states.” On June 12, 1776, a Virginia Convention approved George Mason’s Declaration of Rights and on June 29 adopted the first constitution for the new Commonwealth of Virginia.

For lunch we went to the King’s Arms Tavern. The food was period style and wonderful. Don and I shared the best chicken pot pie ever. On the “Bill of Fare,” (Menu) it was listed as “Norfolk Pottage Pye.”

The coat of arms was on all the dishes.

The dining room was decorated in period pieces…

…and our waiter wore knee-high stockings…What more could we ask?? It was time to start back.

Once again as we drove the scenic route we saw a sign for historic Westover Church and turned in.

The church was a bit odd because it had no steeple, but of course there was an old cemetery in the church yard.

The church had been there since the 17th century. However,  it was defaced in the Campaign of 1862 and reopened for worship in 1867.

Next blog: Scotchtown (another of Patrick Henry’s homes) Hollywood Cemetery, and St. John’s Episcopal Church (“Give me liberty or give me death!”)