The Blue Bell Archaeological Report, Block 8 Building 12A Lot 62Originally entitled: "Foundations of "Blue Bell Tavern" on Colonial Lot #62"

Herbert S. Ragland

1932

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1119
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library

Williamsburg, Virginia

1990

To: H.R. Shurtleff, Director, Department of Research and Record.
From: Herbert S. Ragland, In Charge of Arcaelogical Work.
Subject: Foundations of "Blue Bell Tavern" on Colonial Lot #62 Northwest Corner of Duke of Gloucester and Waller Streets. Williamsburg, Virginia, August 22, 1952.

Submitted herewith is an archaelogical drawing showing foundations recently uncovered by excavation on Colonial lot #62, Northwest Corner of Duke of Gloucester and Waller Streets.

These foundations were found at the site of a building shown on the Frenchmans's Map and identified by the records as the Blue Bell Tavern. (See Research Report dated June 22, 1952). The walls are undoubtedly colonial for the bricks are the size of those in the Governor's Palace foundations, (average 9½ x 4½ x 2?"), the mortar is oyster shell and the bond, English.

Because of the limited amount of money authorised for archaeological excavation of this site, an amount insufficient to fully explore and completely excavate the site, the foundations found were only partially uncovered. The excavations wre made in such a manner as to secure first, if possible, the plan and principal dimensions of any foundation found, data which might be obtained without completely uncovering the foundations, and second, the less essential information, such as interior basement walls, chimneys, basement paving, etc., which cannot be obtained without completely excavating the site. As a number of trenches were dug and a considerable portion of the lot explored without result, before this foundation was found, the appropriation was expanded before all the walls could be uncovered. However, some of the principal dimensions were obtained, and, by 2 digging holes in a few places to determine the depth of the footings, it was found that there was a full basement in portion marked "A" and in the portion marked "A1".

At 1, remains of Basement Steps and bulkhead walls were found. Complete excavation was not made, so rise and tread and the length of the flight was not determined. A fill was being excavated at 2 when the work was stopped. If excavation could be resumed here valuable information might be secured, possibly the foundations of a large chimney, the outline of which is suggested by the two walls partially uncovered.

At 3, an interior basement door opening and brick threshold was found.

Herbert S. Ragland
In Charge of Archaeological Excavation

Aug-22, 1932