Colonial Williamsburg - Duke of Gloucester Street

When in Colonial Williamsburg be sure to stop in at the Bootmaker/Shoemaker. The shop is a re-creation of a shop from 1774 and here you will find interpreters practicing their craft before your very eyes. The Interpreters can answer just about any question you may have with regards to what they are doing.

The Bruton Parish Church located in Colonial Williamsburg is one of the oldest Episcopal Churches in the United States.

The Capitol Building is located on the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg. Admission to the building is included with your fee to enter Colonial Williamsburg. The Capitol building was built in the mid 18th Century and replaced two earlier buildings both destroyed by fire.

Chowning's Tavern was first opened in Colonial Williamsburg in 1766 and aimed at common folk. Today the restaurant tries to recreate this idea, serving tradition English fare, and featuring "Gambols," in the evening; colonial games and fun traditions.

Learn about Colonial coopers and the art of the trade at Colonial Williamsburg. See the cooper as he works on casks and pails, located at the Ludwell-Paradise Stable.

The historic Williamsburg Courthouse, the first courthouse in Williamsburg, was built in 1771. The courthouse is known for both the historical events that have taken place here and for the architecture of the building itself, which was unique at the time. The Declaration of Independence was read from the courthouse.

Located behind the James Geddy House is the Geddy Foundry. This foundry was built around the middle of the 18th Century and has been recreated for today's visitors. Costumed interpreters now provide fascinating displays of workmanship to adoring crowds. Around the same time as the foundry operated, the son's of James Geddy also operated a silversmith shop.

Visit the Pasteur & Galt Apothecary Shop to learn about the role of the apothecary in the 18th Century. The first apothecary shop in Williamsburg was set up in 1759. At that time apothecaries functioned as doctors treating patients and performing surgeries.

James Anderson was among Virginia's most influential 18th-century craftsmen, serving as the public armourer for Virginia. His shop has 7 forges and employed close to 50 individuals.

The James Geddy Foundry has been reconstructed on original foundations in the yard to the rear of the James Geddy House. James Geddy Sr, sons William and David operated a silversmith business.

This colonial tavern, opened in 1722 and catered to Virginia's gentry and the politically influential before, during and after the Revolution.

The Magazine and Guard House are both located in Colonial Williamsburg. The Guardhouse is a red brick building that once housed guards and has been carefully restored to its original appearance. The octagonal Magazine was built in 1715, fell into disuse and disrepair by 1889, but was restored and reopened in 1949.

The Milliner's Shop located in Colonial Williamsburg will be the haunt of any fashionistas interested in trendy clothing, albeit from the 1700's. Here, in a restored shop, visitors will find talented interpreters creating fashionable clothing accessories. The Milliner's Shop is located on Duke of Gloucester Street.

The Raleigh Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg was the other social hot spot besides the Governor's Palace. Originally constructed around 1717, the tavern was the place to go in town to find out the latest gossip. As with most of the buildings in Colonial Williamsburg fire was a real threat, and the tavern burned down in 1859. It was reconstructed and opened in 1932 to resemble the original structure and today interpreters recreate the scene much as it was in the 18th Century.

Those looking for a good time in the mid 18th Century in Colonial Williamsburg didn't have to venture too far as Wetherburn's Tavern and the Raleigh Tavern were right across the street from one another. Wetherburn's Tavern was, like its competition, the social hub of the town and many activities such as balls were held there. During the restoration in the early 20th Century, nearly 200,000 artifacts were found on the original site.

The Wigmaker at Colonial Williamsburg provides a fascinating glimpse into the process of creating wigs from human, goat, horse, or yak hair. Wigs were considered an element of proper dress such as a tie according to the fashion in the 18th Century. Visitors can see the costumed interpreters creating actual wigs the way it was done 200 years ago.

The Wren Building located at Colonial Williamsburg is the oldest active educational building in the United States. The Wren Building was originally built in 1695, however, like most of Colonial Williamsburg it burnt down several times. The existing structure was completed in 1732 and looks much the same today as it did then. The 1st floor of the Wren Building is open, however, the upper floors are off limits as classes at the College of William and Mary take place on a daily basis.