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A smaller seventeenth-century structure stood on the site from 1683 until 1715, when the larger and more elaborate cruciform-style church replaced it. Located at the edge of Palace Green on the corner of Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Street, the church was originally designed by colonial Governor Alexander Spotswood.

A series of restoration efforts began under Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin's direction between 1903-1907 and continued periodically until completed in 1940. In this 1935 photo of the south facade of Bruton Parish Church, the building retains the Colonial Revival window shutters and screen doors installed by architect J. Stewart Barney during his 1906 renovation of the exterior, according to how be believed the church appeared in the eighteenth century. The shutters and screen doors were later removed during final restoration efforts in 1939, given the availability of further research information.
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The caption reads: "The present church was erected in 1710-1715 to replace an earlier church. In its aisles and graveyard are the graves of two colonial governors, three secretaries of state, and many other prominent persons of the colonial period."]]>
The caption reads: "Burton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia. Court Church of Colonial Virginia. In this building worshipped seven Royal Governors, and the Revolutionary Fathers and early statesmen of Virginia, including Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, Tyler, Henry, Marshall, and many others.

Church work was established here about 1632. The name, Bruton, dates from 1674, at which time the Rev. Rowland Jones, ancestor of Mrs. Washington, was minister. In 1683 the first brick church was built. Williamsburg became the capitol in 1699, and the old church was torn down and the present cruciform structure erected in 1710-15.

The Bell in the Steeple, made in England in 1761, was the first in America to proclaim Civil Independence. The lectern was presented by President Roosevelt, and the bibles by King Edward VII, and President Wilson."]]> AV-92-04-16-V]]>
According to the card's caption: "This bell...has rung out the years for more than a century and a half. It has engraved on it 'The gift of James Tarpley to Bruton Parish, 1761.' It is said that when this bell was being cast, Queen Anne threw into the mould her rings, bracelets, and other jewelry and coins she had about her person, which brought forth the silver tone we hear today. This 'Liberty Bell' was the first in America to proclaim civil independence May 15, 1776 and summoned the patriots together in Revolutionary times."]]> AV-2003-06-25-V]]>
The caption reads: "Built in 1710. Here Washington and three other presidents worshipped. The bell in the steeple, made in England in 1761, was the first in America to proclaim civil independence. The lecturn was presented by President Roosevelt, and the Bibles by King Edward VII, and President Wilson."]]> AV-2003-06-22-V]]>
The caption reads: "Where Washington worshipped in 1781. The parish dates back from 1632. Four presidents of the United States have worshipped within its walls, Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, and Tyler. The bell which hangs in the tower was made in England and presented to the church in 1761, and summoned the patriots together in Revolutionary times. The brick wall enclosing the graveyard was built in 1752."]]>
The caption reads: "Bruton Parish Church originally erected in 1683, rebuilt and enlarged in 1715, became the court church of Colonial Virginia. It is the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in the United States. Four presidents of the United States have worshipped within its walls, Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, and Tyler."]]> AVPC-93-086-V]]>