Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

The house known as the "Ayscough House", was located on the south side of the Capitol. Early maps indicate the names "Bucktrout-Lacey" or "Bucktrout or Carey." (Further study of maps will be taken up in the history to follow.)

HISTORY:

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows in this area, two enclosed properties and a larger unenclosed section. On the enclosed lot or section on the extreme west is a rectangular building which is shown facing on Francis Street. (This building, apparently, was on the site of the present Ayscough House.) A smaller building stands in the rear, between the aforenamed building and the Capitol. (See architect's drawing from the Frenchman's Map, Illustration #1 of the appendix.)

Research has failed to disclose the owner or owners of this lot before 1768. However, sources point to the fact that Christopher Ayscough,¹ who had served as a gardener at the Palace under Fauquier, later acquired a location for his tavern somewhere in this area.

Christopher and Anne Ayscough served Governor Fauquier as gardener and cook, respectively. In 1768, Fauquier bequeathed to Anne Ayscough "my cook one hundred and fifty Pounds sterling in recompence of her great fidelity and attention to me in all my Illnesses, and of the great Oeconomy with which she conducted the Expenses of my kitchen during my residence at Williamsburg as his Majesty's Lieutenant Governor, when it was in her power to have defrauded 2 me of several Hundred Pound." (York County Records, Wills and Inventories, XXI.) At the sale of Fauquier's personal property, July 1768, Ayscough bought "2 stalled steers, 12 sheep, 9 hogs, 7 bushels wheat, 12 barrels corn, sundry garden tools., 1823 pounds bacon, Negro Lancaster" (Ibid., XXII, 95-99). From these items it looks as though Ayscough was preparing to set up his tavern, or at least carry on his accommodations as advertised.

It may be that Ayscough in October 1768 came into possession of the lot on which the rectangular building shown on the Frenchman's Map appears. Support for this statement lies in an advertisement of Ayscough's which appeared in the Virginia Gazette (Purdie and Dixon, ed.):

October 6, 1768.
CHRISTOPHER AYSCOUGH
BEGS leave to acquaint the publick that he has opened TAVERN fronting the south side of the Capitol, WILLIAMSBURG. As he is provided with the best LIQUORS, and Mrs. Ayscough very well understands the COOKERY part, he flatters himself that those Gentlemen who may please to favour him with their custom will find every thing to their satisfaction, he being determined to do all in his power to oblige.
* * The greatest care will be taken of Gentlemens
* SERVANTS and HORSES.

It is to be noted that Ayscough gave notice that his tavern was "fronting the south side of the Capitol, WILLIAMSBURG."

Ayscough's tavern evidently began to function at once. About a month later (November 3, 1768), Ayscough advertised from Williamsburg that a theft had occurred: "STOLEN last night out of my yard a large black horse... also a brown bay horse … They are both the property of Mr. Augustine Smith. Whoever brings them to me shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS reward." (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds.)

In addition to keeping his tavern, Ayscough acted as "Door-keeper to the Council." In June 1770, Ayscough was paid two pounds for his services. (Journals of the House of Burgesses June 27, 1770.)

His occupation of tavern keeping did not last long.¹ In September 1770, Ayscough gave notice that he intended to "leave off tavern keeping" and offered his property for sale in this vicinity:

As I intend to leave off tavern keeping, on Thursday the 27th instant will be exposed to sale my dwellinghouse in this city, with a house adjoining, that was built for a store; there is a lot and a half of ground, and on it are all convenient outhouses, besides a well, and garden well paled in. At the same time will be sold all my HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, and nine NEGROES, one an exceeding good cook wench, and a fellow who is a very good gardener. Also about 60 dozen of good old MADEIRA WINE, a large quantity of COAL, five HORSES, a CART and HARNESS. Six months credit will be allowed for all sums above 40s. the purchasers giving bond and security.

Those to whom I am indebted, upon coming to the sale, may purchase to the amount of their demands. As soon as it is ended I shall make over the bonds to my creditors.
CHRISTOPHER AYSCOUGH

N.B. All persons indebted to me are desired to come, without fail, by the 25th of October next, and either pay or give bond and security for what they owe. No longer indulgence will be given.

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds.)

The notice above quoted is significant in that Ayscough mentions that he had "a dwelling-house in this city, with a house adjoining, that was built for a store"; also that his lot covered one and a half sections, and that "outhouses, besides a well, and garden well paled in" had been provided thereon.²

Ayscough's location had been noted in May 1769 when Mr. B. Grimes requested that his creditors meet him "at John Carter's,³ next door to Mr. Ayscough's…" (Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., May 2 [4], 1769.) On November 30, 1769, 4 the creditors of Benjamin Grymes were asked to meet "at John Carter's, in the back street, Williamsburg,...to settle matters of importance relative to the estate…" (Ibid.)

By October 1771, Catherine Rathell,¹ milliner and store-keeper, had opened a shop "where Mr. Ayscough lately lived, opposite to the South side of the Capitol":

Just IMPORTED from London, andtobe SOLD forreadyMoneyonly, at the cheapest Rates, by the Subscriber, at her Shop whereMr. Ayscough lately lived, opposite to the South side of the Capitol.
A GENTEEL ASSORTMENT OF MERCERY, MILLINERY, JEWELLERY, &c…,
As it was impossible to get a House on the main Street, the Subscriber hopes the little Distance will make no Difference to her former Customers. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds.)

The same month, M. Brodie advertised that she was lodged "at Mrs. Rathell's² Store, where Mr. Ayscough formerly lived, on the south side of the Capitol, Williamsburg." M. Brodie was a mantua-maker, "Justarrivedfrom LONDON...was Successour, to the original Makers, at their Warehouse in Pall Mall... She lodges, till a more convenient House can be got, at Mrs. Rathell's Store, where Mr. Ayscough formerly lived, on the south Side of the Capitol, Williamsburg." (Ibid., Purdie and Dixon, eds., Oct. 24, 1771.)

In April 1772, Matthew Holt¹ had opened a store "next Door to Mrs. Ayscough's." (Ibid., April 23, 1772. See also Moir House history, Research Department.)

By October 1772, Christopher Ayscough and wife had died. The following notice by Jacob Bruce,² pertaining to their estates, is given in the Virginia Gazette (Purdie and Dixon, eds.) of October 15, 1772:

NOTICE is hereby given to all Persons having any Demands against the Estates of Christopher Ayscough, and AnneAyscough, deceased, to bring them in properly proved, that Provision may be made, if possible, to satisfy them; and those who are indebted to either of the said Estates are requested to make immediate Payment, or give Notes for what they justly owe to them.
JACOB BRUCE, Administrator.

Following this notice, on January 7, 1773, John Brown, sheriff, advertised for sale the "HOUSES and LOTS, near the Capitol," which had belonged to the late Christopher Ayscough:

Tobe SOLD tothehighestBidder, on the Premises, on Wednesday the 27th Instant, (January) pursuantto a Decree of James City Court, THE HOUSES and LOTS, near the Capitol, belonging to the Estate of ChristopherAyscough, deceased. Three Months Credit will be allowed the Purchaser on giving Bond, with approved Security to
JOHN BROWN, Sheriff (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

It appears from Jacob Bruce's notice in the Gazette (Purdie and Dixon, eds.) for February 11, 1773, that he would move into the house lately occupied by Ayscough, where he would provide lodging accommodations for guests:

The Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Publick that he is about to remove to the House lately occupied by Christopher Ayscough, deceased, situated on the back Street, and fronting the south Side of the Capitol, where he purposes to keep private Lodging Rooms for Gentlemen who will be pleased to favour him with their 6 Company. He thinks himself able to accommodate them with their Company. He thinks himself able to accomodate them with a great Deal of Conveniency, and promises that no Pains shall be spared on his Part to make their Entertainment agreeable.
JACOB BRUCE.

N. B. He also would be willing to take any young Gentlemen as Boarders who may have Intentions of residing in Williamsburg.

It appears also that Bruce conducted a store or shop while he resided in this area:

WILLIAMSBURG
JUST IMPORTED from LONDON, and to be sold at Mr. Bruce's Store on the south Side of the Capitol, Garden PEASE, BEANS, and CABBAGE SEED of different Sorts, and the earliest and best Kinds. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., Mar. 10, 1774)

During the period of 1772-1777, Bruce seems to have acted as an agent for Robert Carter of Nomini hall. (Carter was owner of property in Williamsburg at this time.¹ See copies of letters in the Chauvenet Collection, Research Department.) The Virginia Gazette (Purdie, ed.) of May 1, 1778, announced the death of Bruce: "Deaths Mr. JACOB BRUCE, of this city, one of the auditors of the publick accounts."

A year later, May 1, 1779, Rachel Bruce, widow of Jacob Bruce, requested speedy payment of all debts to his estate:

ALL persons having demands against the estate of the late JacobBruce, of this city, are requested to apply immediately for payment to Mr. James Shields, sheriff of York county, and those indebted to the said estate are also desired to pay their respective balances to the said Shields, as the situation of the estate² requires a speedy settlement.
RACHEL BRUCE, Administratrix (Virginia Gazette, Dixon and Nicolson, eds.)

On June 12, 1779, the houses and lots of Rachel Bruce were advertised 7 for sale:

To be sold to the highest bidder for ready money, before the Raleigh door, on Thursday the 17th instant (June) at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the houses and lots whereon I now live, near the capitol in the city of Williamsburg.
RACHEL BRUCE. (Virginia Gazette, Dixon and Nicolson, eds.)

The Auditor's Account Books, 1779-1780, of Virginia (#3, p. 133) for the month of November 1779 list the following item in the contingent account to "G. W. T. D^r: Warrant to Rachell Bruce for Chairs purch^d for the use of the Committee Roomes p^r Cert... £81.0.0"

The records do not indicate to whom Bruce's property went after the settlement of the estate. Maps made about the beginning of the nineteenth century indicate that the entire oblong lot extending lengthwise along Francis Street was then in possession of persons named Bucktrout and Lacey, or Bucktrout and Carey. The College Map (1791?) shows "Bucktrout or Carey" and the Bucktrout Map (1803) shows "Bucktrout and Lacey." (See copies of maps, Research Department.)

It is possible that Benjamin Bucktrout¹ came into this property or 8 a part of it by way of marriage with Mary Bruce, spinster of Bruton Parish and York County. Research has not discovered just who Mary Bruce was, but she may have been a daughter of Jacob and Rachel Bruce. (See copy of marriage bond of Benjamin Bucktrout, Research Department, presented by Mrs. Virginia Haughwout, Williamsburg.) This marriage bond gives the marriage date of Bucktrout and Mary Bruce as July 11, 1797.

The Williamsburg Land Tax records, which begin 1782, convey very little definite information as to Bucktrout's property in the city. Apparently, such tax records indicate only that Bucktrout held "¼ lot" valued at £6 from 1791-1797, when he was in possession of two lots valued at £15. Nor do the Personal Property Tax Records for Williamsburg throw any light on Bucktrout's location. Bucktrout is listed as early as 1783, but not until 1793 is he credited with one slave; in 1797 he is credited with one slave and one horse.

Nothing definite about Bucktrout holding the so-called "Ayscough Lot" has been found other than the maps noted previously in this report, and in insurance policies of adjacent property. In a policy dated 1817, on property of Robert McCandlish, the insured describes his buildings as "my buildings on my own lots now occupied by myself and situated between Lees lot on the East Bucktrout's lots West... " (See Moir house history, Research Department.) Policies on McCandlish's property in 1823 note "Bucktrout's representative west"; a policy in 1836 for the same party noted the former Bucktrout lot as "Saunders' lot on the west."

An effort has been made to find the Saunders family described above as owner of the lot to the west of Bucktrout, but to no avail. The next we see of a Saunders in relation to this lot appears in Mr. John S. Charles' "Recollections of Williamsburg 1861-65." Mr. Charles notes that an old lady, Miss Sarah Saunders, lived on a lot which was west of the McCandlish lot in this area. (Copy of the Charles Ms. in Research Department.)

Abstracts of title prepared by V. M. Geddy in 1927 and 1928 indicate that later in the nineteenth century and early in the twentieth century, the "Bucktrout-Lacey" lot was subdivided in such a way as to form a portion of at least three modern lots, extending lengthwise in a north-south direction approximately to the line of the old enclosure which had stood about the Capitol grounds. From the abstracts it appears that James W. Custis was the owner from 1865 to 1878. In 1882, William E. Morecock gave deed to Bourbon. For further title and owners, see chain of title, Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.

IN SUMMARY:

It appears from the records that Christopher Ayscough came into the property in 1768 and opened a tavern thereon, describing the location as on the "south side of the Capitol." In 1770 Ayscough advertised that he expected to "leave off tavern keeping" and he offered his property described as follows for sale: "my dwelling-house in this city, with a house adjoining, that was built for a store..."

In 1771, Catherine Rathell, milliner and store-keeper, had opened a shop "where Mr. Ayscough lately lived, opposite to the South side of the Capitol." M. Brodie, mantua-maker, lodged the same time "at Mrs. Rathell's Store, where Mr. Ayscough formerly lived, on the south side of the Capitol, Williamsburg." In 1772, Matthew Holt had opened a store "next Door to Mrs. Ayscough's." Following the deaths of Ayscough and his wife, Jacob Bruce came 10 into the property and conducted a store until his death in 1778. He had also advertised that he would provide lodging accommodations for guests. The records do not indicate to whom the property went after the settlement of Bruce's estate. However, the College Map (1791?) specifies the name "Bucktrout or Carey" on the Property and the Bucktrout Map (1803) gives the name "Bucktrout and Lacy." The land tax records are very vague and do not indicate how Bucktrout came into the property, nor when the Bucktrout family gave deed to its release. Insurance policies of adjacent property give proof that Bucktrout held the "Ayscough Lot." In an insurance policy on Robert McCandlish's property to the east, written in 1817, McCandlish describes his property as "my buildings on my own lots now occupied by myself and situated between Lees lot on the East Bucktrout's lots West." In a policy of 1823, McCandlish notes his property as bounded on the west by "Bucktrout's representatives." During the Civil War period, an old lady, Miss Sarah Saunders, lived on the lot according to Mr. John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg 1861-65." Since that time there have been various owners and the property has been divided into as many as three different lots. Further title can be seen in the chain of title, Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.