Interior furnishings and decor reflect curators' views in the 1930s as to how Williamsburg's historic interiors may have looked in the eighteenth century. Nevertheless, with new research advances over the years, the Raleigh Tavern's interiors have changed and evolved to reflect a more authentic and accurate view of each room's likely contents and arrangements.]]>
Among the furnishings, earthenware jugs (accession # 1930-305) stand atop the cupboard against the right wall of the room. Windsor armchairs (accession # 1930-64) surround a table in the center of the room. Interior furnishings and decor reflect curators' views in the 1930s as to how Williamsburg's historic interiors may have looked in the eighteenth century. Nevertheless, with new research advances over the years, the Raleigh Tavern's interiors have changed and evolved to reflect a more authentic and accurate view of each room's likely contents and arrangements.
]]>

Located on the first floor (east wing) of the reconstructed Capitol building of 1705, this room served as a place for members of Virginia's House of Burgesses to assemble to discuss legislative issues. As a meeting room, it also served as the scene of many important political debates leading up to the American Revolution. The speaker's chair, which is original, provides a focal point in the main apse with a semi-circle of benches for members of the House along the walls around the room.]]>
Interior of Raleigh Tavern's Bar Room, 1935. The Raleigh Tavern was the frequent scene of both jollity and consequence. Burned to the ground in 1859, it was reconstructed from published illustrations, insurance policies, and archaeology that uncovered most of the original foundations.

Among the furnishings, earthenware jugs (accession # 1930-305) stand atop the cupboard against the right wall of the room.  Windsor armchairs (accession # 1930-64) surround a table in the center of the room. Interior furnishings and decor reflect curators' views in the 1930s as to how Williamsburg's historic interiors may have looked in the eighteenth century. Nevertheless, with new research advances over the years, the Raleigh Tavern's interiors have changed and evolved to reflect a more authentic and accurate view of each room's likely contents and arrangements.

]]>
Rights and reproductions]]>
Interior view of the General Court Room in the Capitol, with bird's-eye view of the court justices' seats beyond the bar, 1935. "The General Court, the highest court in the colony, convened in April and October to hear both civil and criminal cases. The governor and the twelve members of the Council served as the justices of the General Court. After 1710, the Court of Oyer and Terminer (meaning 'to hear and decide'), presided over by the councillors alone, heard criminal cases at sessions in June and December."

(Source: Michael Olmert and Suzanne Coffman, Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg [Williamsburg, VA: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 2007], 69).

]]>
Rights and reproductions]]>

The two portraits hanging on the back wall are currently part of the collection of the Muscarelle Museum at the College of William & Mary. For many years, the college loaned the two portraits to Colonial Williamsburg for display in the Capitol. To the left is a portrait of King William III by Sir Peter Lely (formerly loan item L1955-483.) To the right is a portrait of Queen Mary II by Sir Godfrey Kneller (formerly loan item L1954-1069.)]]>
Rights and reproductions]]>
Rights and reproductions]]>
Interior furnishings and decor reflect curators' views in the 1930s as to how Williamsburg's historic interiors may have looked in the eighteenth century. Nevertheless, with new research advancements over the years, the interiors of the Governor’s Palace have changed to reflect a more authentic and accurate view of the building’s likely contents and room arrangements.]]>
Rights and reproductions]]>

Interior furnishings and decor reflect curators' views in the 1930s as to how Williamsburg's historic interiors may have looked in the eighteenth century. Nevertheless, with new research advancements over the years, the interiors of the Governor’s Palace have changed to reflect a more authentic and accurate view of the building’s likely contents and room arrangements.]]>
Rights and reproductions]]>
Interior view of the Clerk's Office in the House of Burgesses, Capitol Building, 1935.  Charles Willson Peale's portrait of Washington (accession # 1933-502, A&B) is featured prominently on the wall. In 1928, it was acquired by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. from Shirley Plantation, where it was likely exhibited since at least the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century (having been passed down through generations of the Carter family). Legend has it that Marion Carter Oliver agreed to the sale because Washington was not actually a family member.

Interior furnishings and decor reflect curators' views in the 1930s as to how Williamsburg's historic interiors may have looked in the eighteenth century.  Nevertheless, with new research advancements over the years, the interiors of the Governor’s Palace have changed to reflect a more authentic and accurate view of the building’s likely contents and room arrangements.

 

]]>
Rights and reproductions]]>