Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

In working on Philip Ludwell's lots in Williamsburg which descended to William Lee and John Paradise, I ran into evidence which seems to prove that the Red Lion tavern was not located on lot 57 as hitherto supposed but was on lot 44 north side of Duke of Gloucester Street, which lot was the property of John Paradise via Ludwell's estate.

The committee on Names of Houses unanimously approves the adoption of the official name "The Red Lion" for the present "Blair's Brick House", Block 18, Building 23A. The outbuildings shall also be designated as "The Red Lion Smokehouse", "The Red Lion Well", etc. We recommend approval by the Administrative Officers.

Illustration #1
Lot 44

PHOTOSTAT COPY OF THE WILLIAMSBURG PLAT IN "WILLIAMSBURG, THE OLD COLONIAL CAPITOL" BY LYON G. TYLER

COLONIAL LOT 44 - Block 18

LOCATION:

The lot is located on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street. It is marked "Paradise." See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?).

MAPS:

The Frenchman's Map (1782) seems to indicate a house with western wing on the lot, and an outbuilding to north.

The Bucktrout Map (1803) indicates "Paradise" on the lot.

HISTORY:

The earliest information concerning Colonial Lot 44 in Williamsburg appears in a deed of lease dated September 23, 1700:

September 23, 1700

THIS INDENTURE made this twenty third day of September in y^e twelfth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord William the third by the Grace of God of England Scotland ffrance & Ireland King Defender of the ffaith &c. &c. in the Year of our Lord 1700 between the ffeoffees or trustees for the land appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of WilliamsBurgh of the one part and Coll Phillip Ludwell of the County of James City of the other part WITNESSETH that y^e Said ffeoffees or trustees for divers good Causes conseideracons them thereunto Moving but more Especially for conseideracons of one shill: of Good and Lawfull Money to therein in hand paid att & before the onsealing & Delivery of these presents the receipt whereof and themselves therewith fully contented & paid they do hereby acknowledge have granted bargaind Sold Demised & to farm letten unto the said Phillip Ludwell three certain lots of ground in the said City of Williams Burgh Designed in the plott of the Said City by these figures 43 : 44 : 45 bounded as followeth Viz begining at the Market place on y^e North side of Duke of Gloster Street running East a quarter North along Duke of 2 Gloster Street 10 poles ¾ thence North a quarter West 16 poles to Nicholson Street thence W ¼ S 17 poles to the Market Place where Nicholson & Scotland Street crosseth each other thence South ¼ East 11 poles along the Market place thence East ¼ North 6 poles along the Market place thence South ¼ East 5 poles along the Market place to the Duke of Gloster Street the place first began att with all Pasturage Woods and Waters... TO HAVE AND TO HOLD... unto the Said Phillip Ludwell ... for ever...
B Harison Jun^r his Seale
Mongo Ingles his Seale¹ [Recorded York County Court
June 24, 1702]

Ludwell's property was platted in this way according to Paul Buchanan of the Architectural Department: Duke of Gloucester Street

Lots 43 and 44 must have reverted to the trustees, for in June, 1718, Ambrose Cobbs of York County was granted these lots:

[June 14, 1718]

[Trustees of Williamsburg
to
Ambrose Cobbs of York County
Consideration: 1 pound 10 shillings current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the fourteenth day of June in the fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George... & in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred & Eighteen BETWEEN the Feoffees or Trustees for the land appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Williamsburgh of the One part & Ambrose Cobbs of the County of York of the other part WITNESSETH that whereas the s^d Ambrose Cobbs for One Lease to him by the s^d Feoffees or 3 Trustees bearing Date the day next before the Date of these presents is in actual & peacable possession of the premisses... & in consideration of One pound ten Shillings Current Money of Virginia to them in hand paid... HAVE GRANTED bargained Sold... unto Ambrose Cobbs certain Lotts of Ground in the s^d City of Williamsburgh designed in the Platt of the s^d City by these figures 43 : 44 with all woods thereon growing & being together with all profites... belonging... TO HAVE AND TO HOLD... for ever under the Limitation & Reservations hereafter mentioned... That is to Say that if the Said Ambrose Cobbs his heirs & Assigns Shall not within the Space of Twenty four months next ensuing the Date of these presents begin to build or finish upon each Lott of the s^d Ground premises One Good dwelling house or houses of Such Dimensions & to be placed in Such manner as by One Act of Assembly made at the Capitol the Twenty third day of October 1705... Then it Shall & may be lawfull to & for the s^d Feoffees or Trustees... to enter & the Same to have again as of their former Estates...
John Clayton seal ¹ Recorded York County Court
June 16, 1718
Lease recorded June 13, 1718

From the above deed, it is evident that there were no houses on either lot.

In 1725 a deed from Robert Cobbs to John Blair conveys the information that Robert Cobbs had been granted the said two lots by the trustees in 1720.² This would indicate that the lots had again reverted to the city.

December 11, 1725

Robert Cobbs of Bruton Parish, York County
to
John Blair³ of Williamsburg - merchant
Consideration: 18 pounds current money of Virginia

THIS INDENTURE made the eleventh Day of December in the twelfth year of the Reign of our Sovereign 4 Lord George... and in the year of our Lord God 1725 BETWEEN Robert Cobbs of the parish of Bruton in County of York of the one part and John Blair of W^msburgh Merch^t of the other part WITNESSETH that... in Consideration of Eighteen pounds Curr^t money of Virginia... he doth hereby acknowledge HATH granted bargained Sold... two lots of Ground in the City of W^msburgh designed in the Plat of the said City by the figures 43, 44 with all Pasturage Woods and Waters thereon together with all profitts Commoditys Emoluments & advantages whatsoever to the Same belonging... TO HAVE & TO HOLD... for ever... which said two lots of Ground were formerly granted to the s^d Robert Cobbs by the Feoffees or Trustees for the land appropriated for the building & directing the City of W^msburgh by Deeds of Lease and Release bearing date y^efourteenth & fifteenth of June in the year of our Lord 1720 & duly recorded in the Secretary^s office...
Rob^t Cobbs Seal ¹ [Recorded York County Court
July 18, 1726]

Though buildings are not mentioned in the above deed, the consideration named of £18 would indicate that some changes had enhanced the value of the property since 1718.

From 1725 to 1745 there were several owners: (1) John Blair; (2) William Shields; (3) John Blair; (4) Thomas Hornsby. A deed from Hornsby to James Bird (1745) to follow in this report clears the ownership for this period. (No deeds have been discovered to these changes in ownership). In the period, several ordinary keepers and tradesmen leased the property.

One of the renters was John Parker, ordinary keeper. He was granted a license at the "red Lyon" in Williamsburg - which we interpret to be a building on Lot 44:

[February 21, 1736/37]

Parker's license was renewed at the June 19, 1738 court. Also, the license was renewed at the May 21, 1739 court.² During 1740-1744, Parker was sued for debts by several.³ In 1740 Matthew Moody sued Parker for trespass. Parker lost in the court.⁴

Parker had died by February, 1745.⁵ The ordinary was leased to William Wyatt:

[April 18, 1745]

THIS is to give Notice, That the Subscriber, who keeps the Ordinary lately kept by Mr. John Parker, in Williamsburg, has very good Accommodations for Man and Horse, where all Gentlemen and others that will please to favour him with their Company, may depend on Civil Treatment, by Their very humble Servant,
William Wyatt.⁶

In September, 1745, Wyatt had either moved out or subleased the ordinary to Joseph Gilliam [sometimes spelled Gilliom]:

[September 26, 1745]

THIS is to give Notice, That the Subscriber [is] remov'd to the House where Mr. John Parker lately lived, in Williamsburg: Where all Gentlemen may depend on very good private Lodgings for themselves.
Joseph Gilliom.

N.B. He has got a very good travelling Chair, Horses, and Driver, to hire to any Part of the Country, likewise very good Saddle Horses.⁷

Gilliam, evidently, had room enough to lease a part of the house to Richard Caulton, upholsterer, from London:

[November 28, 1745]

RICHARD CAULTON, Upholster, from London, gives this public Notice to all Gentlemen, Ladies, and others, That he doth all Sorts of Upholsterer's Work, after the newest Fashion, with all possible Care and Expedition, at reasonable Rates, either at their Houses or at his Lodgings, at Mr. Joseph Gilliam's in Williamsburg. He likewise makes and mends Easy Chairs, Dressing Chairs, Windsor Chairs, Settees, Pin Cushion Chair Seats, Couches; also covers and stuffs the Backs of Billiard Tables, lines Coaches, Chariots, Chaises and Chairs.¹

Prior to 1739, William Shields was owner of the property.² Basis for this statement is found in a deed of May 20, 1745 (to follow). The lots are not described by numbers, but the description undoubtedly why? dovetails with lots 43 and 44:

[May 20, 1745]

[Thomas Hornsby, tailor, of Williamsburg
to
James Bird,³ blacksmith, of Williamsburg
Consideration: £95 current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the Twentieth day of May in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second of Great Britain France & Ireland King &c. and in the Year of our Lord Christ MDCCXLV1745 Between Thomas Hornsby of the City of Williamsburgh Tailor the one part and James Bird of the said City Blacksmith of the other part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Hornsby for & in Consideration of the Sum of Ninety five pounds Curr^t money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said James Bird the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge Hath granted bargained 7 Sold Alien'd released & confirm'd. . . unto the said James Bird his heirs & Assigns for ever All that one Lott of Ground in the said City adjoining to the Garden of John Blair Esq: on the East Side thereof being the Eastermost one of the two Lotts w^ch the * said Blair purchased of W^m Shields sometime in the Month of October that was in the Year MDCCXXXIX and 1739 by the said Hornsby purchased of the said Blair as appears by Indenture of Bargain & Sale bearing date the XXX th day of April MDCCXL now in the Tenure & 1740 Occupation of the said James Bird With all Houses Outhouses Edifices Buildings Yards Gardens Orchards [illegible] Waters Water Courses profits Commodities Hereditaments & appurtenances whatsoever to said Lott of ground. . . Reversion & Reversions Remainder & Remainders Rents Issues & profits. . . Estate Right Title Interest Claim & demand of him the said Thomas Hornsby for in and to the same To have & to hold the said Lott of Ground & premises with the Appurtenances unto the said James Bird his Heirs & Assigns. . . for ever. . . in Fee Simple. . .
Thomas Hornsby Seal¹ [Recorded York County Court
May 20, 1745]

In this deed, we see that Hornsby was conveyed a the lot (10 x 5)* by Blair in 1740 and that Blair had received them it in 1739 from Shields.² Houses had been erected on the lots prior to 1745.

In November, 1746, Bird mortgaged the property by bond to John Fitzgerald and William Nugent to secure Thomas Hornsby £95. The "Garden of John Blair" continues as a western boundary: ^?

[November 17, 1746]

[James Bird, blacksmith, of Williamsburg Elizabeth, his wife,
to
John Fitzgerald of King William County
William Nugent of James City County - tailor]

. . . All that Lot or half Acre of land lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh aforesaid adjoining the Garden of John Blair Esq. which he the said James Bird lately purchased of the said Thomas Hornsby Together with all Houses. . . TO HAVE AND TO HOLD. . . forever 8 PROVIDED... that if the said James Bird his Heirs Exor^s & Admors shall well and Truly pay or cause to be paid unto the said Thomas Hornsby his Exor^s Admorsors or Assigns the Money and Interest due or to grow due on the Bond aforesaid and shall also well and truly secure save harmless and endemnify the said John Fitzgerald and William Nugent... from all and every Loss Damages and Charges which may arise... by Occupation of their being bound With the said James Bird as his Security in the Bond... then this present Indenture and every Thing therein contained shall cease determine and become void... after Default shall be made in Performance of the Proviso or Condition herein contained into the Lands and premises above mentioned to Enter and the same to Have hold and possess as their own proper Estate AND LASTLY it is Covenant & agreed by and between the parties... that til Breach non performance of the proviso or Condition... James Bird... May peaceably and quietly Have hold and possess the above bargained Land and premises without the Let or Interruption of them the said John FitzGerald and William ^Nugeⁿt... AND this James Bird shall Constitute... [them] his Attornies... to Ask and Receive from the Treasurer of this Colony or other person appointed to pay the same all sums and sum of Money to grow due and owing to him as and for his Salary for cleaning and taking care of the Public Arms and to apply the Money so received towards paiment and satisfaction of the said Sum of Ninety five pounds and Interest thereon until the same shall be fully paid... James Bird (LS)
Elizabeth Bird ^{her mark}(LS) ¹ [Recorded York County Court
November 17, 1746]

The "Red Lion" ordinary has been mentioned only once in the records above^{and then NOT tied to lot 44}. From subsequent sources to follow, chronologically, the "Red Lion" will be noted in other sources which indicate that its location was on Lot 44.

In June, 1746, at a meeting of the directors of Williamsburg, a motion was made by John Blair for a 21-year lease to a piece of 9 ground in the marketplace.¹ The eastern boundary was "John Taylor's ordinary" - which is interpreted to be located on Lot 44:

[June 2, 1746]

At a Court of Directors for the City of W^msBurg held the 2^d day of June 1746
Present
John Harmer Esq^r Mayor
Benjamin Waller Esq^r Recorder
George Gilmer, Walter King and
John Amson Esq^r Aldermen

On The Motion of John Blair Esq^r a Lease for 21. years is granted him of a piece of ground in The Marketplace To beguin at the East end of The ground leased To Mathew Moody² and to Extend 48. feet along The Main Street Easterly Towards John Taylors ordinary, and Runing from The beguining place aforesaid Northderly [sic] 80. feet Near a Road Which lyes about S.E. Thence To The Said Road, Thence along the Road til a S. Line will hit The end of The Said 48. feet, at The Yearly rent of 25 s Curr^t Money.³

John Taylor was operating an ordinary at Marot's (Lot 25) in August, 1738.⁴ In 1743 John Taylor, "Ordinary Keeper," gave a mortgage "to a plantation he now occupies."⁵ In May, 1745, Taylor had moved into Williamsburg. As other renters were occupying the property in 1745, Taylor could not have moved thereon until early in 1746:

[April 24, 1746.]

LOST last Night, out of the Stable of Mr. John Taylor, in Williamsburg, a large Chestnut-Colour'd Horse...⁶

Bird's salary as keeper of the Public Arms, evidently, was applied to pay off the debt of £95 owing to Hornsby. In October, 10 1754, Bird conveyed the property to Patrick Matthews, butcher, naming the consideration of £150, together with a lien on his personal property:

[October 1, 1754]

[James Bird of Williamsburg, blacksmith and wife
to
Patrick Matthews of Yorktown, butcher,
Consideration: £150 current money of Virginia]

This Indenture … Between James Bird of the City of Williamsburgh Blacksmith and Elizabeth his wife of the one part and Patrick Matthews of the Town and County of York Butcher of the other part Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the Sum of One hundred and fifty Pounds Current money to the said James Bird in hand paid by the said Patrick Matthews at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof he doth hereby Acknowledge and thereof Acquaint and discharge the said Patrick Matthews They the said James Bird & Elizabeth his Wife Have Granted Bargained Sold Aliened and Conferred … unto the said Patrick Matthews his Heirs … forever All that Lot or half Acre of Land lying & being in the City of Williamsburgh aforesaid adjoining to the Garden of John Blair Esq^r which Lot the said James Bird purchased of Thomas Hornsby with all Houses Buildings etc … And this Indenture further Witnesseth that for the Consideration aforesaid He the said James Bird Hath Granted Bargained and Sold . . . unto the said Patrick Matthews All those Goods and Chattels of him the said James Bird in the City aforesaid particularly mentioned expressed and described in a Schedule hereunto annexed to have and to hold the said Goods and Chattels unto the said Patrick Matthews … Provided always and upon the Condition that if the said James Bird his Heirs . . . do and shall Well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the said Patrick Matthews … one hundred & fifty Pounds Current Money with lawfull Interest [on] or before the first day of October next ensuing . . .

…
And Lastly It is Covenanted and agreed by and between the Parties to these Presents that until breach or non performance of the Proviso or Condition aforesaid the said James Bird his Heirs … shall and May peaceably and quietly have hold and enjoy the above bargained Lands Goods Chattels and Premises Without the interruption or disturbance of the Said Patrick Matthews …

The Schedule to which this Indenture refers a Smith Shop and the Ground whereon it stands in the market Place in the City of Williamsburg Leased by the said 11 James Bird from the Trustees of the said City for a term of years not yet expired. Four feather Beds Bedsteads & furniture seven Wainscot English Oak Chairs Two large Walnut Tables One large Tab D^o one small D^o four Pine D^o three looking Glasses one large & two small One Chest of Drawers and one Desk both Walnut four Russia Leather Chairs eight large Silver Spoons six Tea D^o Two Cows & three Mares.¹

[Entered in York County Court Records January 20, 1755]

Let us notice that Bird's blacksmith shop "in the market Place" is specifically mentioned.

Bird never complied with the agreement in the mortgage. In March, 1756, Matthews petitioned the court stating that Bird had not paid as agreed, that "the said James Bird suffers the Houses on the Mortgaged Lands to go to Decay and Neglects to take proper Care of the said Goods by which Means the said Mortgaged Premises are rendered of less Value than they were at the Time of making the said Mortgage and are in Danger of Sinking still lower in Value."² Matthews petitioned the court to force Bird to pay the £150 with interest or be foreclosed. The court allowed a suit in chancery in May, 1756, in which it was decreed that Bird on or before October 25, 1756, should pay Matthews £163.7.0 with interest or the mortgage would be foreclosed.³

Bird failed to pay off the mortgage. On March 2, 1757, Bird and Matthews conveyed the property to Graham Frank, merchant of Williamsburg:

[March 2, 1757]

[Patrick Matthews and Ann, his wife, and
James Bird and Elizabeth, his wife,
to
Graham Frank, merchant of Williamsburg,
Consideration: £125 current money of Virginia]

12

THIS INDENTURE made the second Day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven... BETWEEN Patrick Matthews of the Town & County of York & Ann his Wife and James Bird of the City of Williamsburgh Blacksmith and Elizabeth his Wife of the one part and Graham Frank of the Town and County aforesaid Merchant of the Other Part WITNESSETH that for and in Consideration of the Sum of one hundred and twenty five pounds Current money to the said Patrick Matthews by the said Graham Frank in hand paid at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents... each of them both Granted Bargained Sold Aliened and Confirmed... unto the said Graham Frank his Heirs and Assigns forever All that Lott or half Acre of Land Lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh aforesaid adjoining to the Garden of John Blair Esquire which Lott the said James Bird purchased of Thomas Hornsby and was by the said James Bird among the things Mortgaged in fee Simple unto the said Patrick Matthews by Indenture bearing date the first day of October one thousand seven hundred and fifty four for the paiment of a Sum of money therein Mentioned at a certain day therein Limited and by a Decree of the Court of the said County of York made the 17^th day of May last past in a SUIT in Chancery there depending between the said Patrick Matthews Plaintif and the said James Bird and Elizabeth his Wife Def^t It was Decreed and Ordered that unless the Defendants should on or before the twenty fifth day of October then next satisfy and pay unto the Plaintif the Sum of one hundred and Sixty three pounds seven shillings due to the Plaintif upon the said Mortgage together with Interest upon one hundred and fifty pounds part thereof to be Computed after the rate of five per Centum per Annum from the first day of October one thousand seven hundred and fifty four until paiment and the Costs of the said Suit they the said Defendants and their Heirs be for ever foreclosed of all Right Benefit and Equity of Redemption of the Mortgaged Land Goods and Chattels in the Bill Mentioned and that the Estate of Plaintif therein become absolute which said principal Sum of money Interest and Costs have not yet been paid With all Houses Buildings Yards Gardens Profits Commodities Hereditaments and Appurtenances these unto belonging and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders thereof and all the Estate Right Title and Interest of them the said Patrick Matthews and Ann his Wife and James Bird and Elizabeth his Wife of in and to the same or any part thereof TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Lot or half Acre of Land and premises with the Appurtenances unto the said Graham Frank... for ever...¹

Recorded York County Court
January 6, 1758

Graham Frank was an English merchant who came to Virginia and operated a store in Williamsburg. The first record about him was that he was one of the witnesses to the will of William Parks in 1750.¹ He married Ann Staige, daughter of the Rev. Theodosius Staige, minister of Charles Parish. She died in 1759 and was buried in Bruton Churchyard, Williamsburg. A son, Thomas Thorp Frank, was baptized at Bruton in 1758.² Bishop Meade refers to Frank as "a man of zeal for the great doctrines of the Church." He also refers to the correspondence between Frank (then in England) and the Shield and Nelson families at Yorktown.³ Frank, evidently, was a merchant on a big scale.⁴

Frank held the property acquired from Matthews and Bird in 1757 until 1760 when James Tarpley, merchant, became the owner:

[January 21, 1760]

[Graham Frank, merchant, Williamsburg
to
James Tarpley, merchant, Williamsburg
Consideration: £200 current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the twenty first day of January In the Thirty third Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King George the second and in the Year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and Sixty BETWEEN Graham Frank of the City of Williamsburgh Mercht of the one part and James Tarpley of the same Place Merchant of the other part WITNESSETH that the said Graham Frank for and in Consideration of the Sum of two hundred pounds Current money to him in hand paid by the said James Tarpley at and before the ensealing and Delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge HATH Granted Bargained and Sold Aliened and 14 Confirmed And by these Presents DOTH Grant Bargain and Sell Alien and Confirm unto the said James Tarpley his Heirs and Assigns forever All that Lot or half Acre of Land Situate Lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh aforesaid adjoining the Garden of the Honourable John Blair Esquire which Lot was purchased by the said Graham Frank of Patrick Matthews and Ann his wife and James Bird and Elizabeth his wife by their Indenture of Bargain and Sale bearing date the second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty Seven And in the Thirtieth year of the Reign of his present Majesty duly proved and Recorded in the County Court of York And all houses Out houses Yards Gardens Orchards Ways Waters Water Courses Profits Commodities Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the said Lot belonging And the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof And all the Estate Right Title Interest Property Claim and Demand whatsoever of him the said Graham Frank of in and to the said Lot or half Acre of Land... TO HAVE AND TO HOLD...
Graham Frank LS

SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF
Peter Hay
Thomas Knox
William Willis

¹ Recorded York County Court
February 15, 1760

Tarpley did not occupy the property himself. At the time, he owned and operated a store on Lot 20 near the Capitol.² He proceeded the next day after he acquired the property from Frank to lease it to Rebecca Bird,³ spinster:

January 22, 1760

James Tarpley, merchant of Williamsburg
to
Rebecca Bird, spinster, Williamsburg
Consideration: 5 shillings

THIS INDENTURE made the twenty second day of January In the thirty third Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King George the second and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty BETWEEN James Tarpley of the City of Williamsburg Merchant of the one part and Rebecca Bird of the same Place Spinster of the 15 other part WITNESSETH that the said James Tarpley for and in Consideration of the sum of five Shillings to him paid by the said Rebecca Bird the Receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge HATH devised Granted and to Farm Letten And by these Presents Doth Demise Grant and to farm Let unto the said Rebecca Bird All that Messuage Tenement and Lot or half Acre of Land Situate Lying and being in the said City of Williamsburgh adjoining the Garden of the Honble John Blair Esquire purchased by the said James Tarpley of Graham Frank by Indenture of Bargain and Sale bearing date the day next before the date hereof and Recorded in the County Court of York And all houses Outhouses Yards Gardens Orchards Woods Waters Profits Commodities and Appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining To have and to hold the said Messuage and Tenement and Lot or half Acre of Land... unto the said Rebecca Bird and her Assigns from the date of these presents for and during the Term of her Natural Life

... In WITNESS whereof the said James Tarpley hath herewith Set his hand and Affixed his Seal the day and Year first above written
James Tarpley LS

Sealed and Delivered In Presence of
Graham Frank
Peter Hay
Thomas Knox

¹ Recorded York County Court
February 18, 1760

We do not know what use Rebecca Bird, spinster, made of the property. She must have died before March, 1762, as Tarpley sold the property to Daniel Hoye, wheelwright. (According to Rebecca Bird's lease, she had the privilege of remaining there until her death.)

In all the deeds to this property from 1745 to 1762, the western boundary was "the Garden of John Blair." In the deed from Tarpley to Hoye (given below), the western boundary is noted as "the Lots of the honourable John Blair." This would lead us to believe that Blair had acquired the entire Lot 43.²

March 12, 1762

James Tarpley, merchant of Williamsburg
to
Daniel Hoye, wheelwright of Williamsburg
Consideration: £200 current money of Virginia

THIS INDENTURE made the Twelfth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty two BETWEEN James Tarpley of the City of Williamsburgh Merchant of the one part and Daniel Hoye of the said City Wheel wright of the other part WITNESSETH that the said James Tarpley for and in consideration of the sum of Two hundred current Money of Virginia to him in Hand paid by the said Daniel Hoye at and before the ensealing and delivery of these Presents the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge HATH granted bargained and sold aliened and confirmed and by these Presents Doth grant bargain and sell alien and confirm unto the said Daniel Hoye his Heirs and Assigns forever All that Lot or half Acre of Land situate lying and being in the said City of Williamsburgh adjoining the Lots of the honourable John Blair Esquire which said James Tarpley purchased of Graham Frank Merchant by Indenture and Sale bearing date the Twenty first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Sixty recorded in the County Court of York. And all Houses Out houses Yards Gardens Orchards Ways Waters Water Courses Profits Commodities Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the said Lot or half Acre of Land belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits there of And all the Estate Right Title Interest Property Claim...

James Tarpley (L.S.)
Daniel Hoye (L.S.)

Sealed and Delivered in Presence of
Jn^o Hood
Hugh Walker

Received this Twelfth day of March 1762 of the within named Daniel Day sic? the sum of two hundred Pounds current Money being the consideration within mentioned to be received by me
James Tarpley

Witness
Jn^o Hood
Hugh Walker

¹ Recorded York County Court
March 15, 1762

In May, 1766, Hoye advertised in the Virginia Gazette that "JAMES STUART, an Apprentice, by Trade a Wheel Wright,..." had 17 run away "from the Subscriber in Williamsburg."¹ Hoye could have been living on the property and using a part of the lot for his shop.

In April, 1767, it became necessary for Hoye to mortgage his personal property:

[April 11, 1767]

[Mortgage from Daniel Hoye
to
John Jegitts and James Taylor, carpenters
Consideration: 5 shillings & £60 charges &c.]

KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I Daniel Hoye wheel right of the city of Williamsburg of the one part and John Jegitts and James Taylor carpenters of the other part WITNESSETH that for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings by the said John Jegitts and James Taylor to the said Daniel Hoye in hand paid at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and for securing the payment of sixty pounds and charges which may happen I Daniel Hoye do grant bargain sell alien and confirm unto John Jegitts and James Taylor five feather-beds and furniture to each with the bedsteads and cords &c. six walnut chairs three pine tables two walnut d^o one walnut corner cupboard one large looking glass one walnut corner-chair one horse one large iron pott three small d^o two dozen pewter plates three pewter dishes three pewter basons one pine desk one large pine buffett one cart & wheels and the said Daniel Hoye for himself and his heirs doth covenant and promise to and with the said John Jegitts and James Taylor their heirs and assigns that he the said Daniel Hoye and his heirs the above granted household and kitchen furniture unto the said John Jegitts and James Taylor their heirs and assigns against the lawful claim and demand of him the said Daniel Hoye and all and every person or persons shall and will warrant and for ever defend by these presents As witness my hand and seal this eleventh day of April one thousand seven hundred and sixty seven
Dan^l Hoye (L.S.)

Sealed & delivered in presence of
John Wise
Thomas Presson
William Oldwell
John Lamb

² [Recorded York County Court, June 15, 1767]

Research has failed to find the deed conveying the lot from Hoye to Jegitts. However, Hoye must have sold the lot with houses prior to giving the lien on the personal property. Basis for this belief is a notice in the Virginia Gazette of Josiah Chowning, an inn keeper:

WILLIAMSBURG, October 10, 1766
I HEREBY acquaint the publick that I have opened tavern at the house where I formerly lived, and lately possessed by Mr. John Jeggitts; where all who please to favour me with their custom may depend upon the best of entertainment for themselves, servants, and horses, and good pasturage.
JOSIAH CHOWNING.¹

Chowning states in the newspaper notice that he had lived at this location previously. Research has failed to find further evidence indicating he actually was on this property. However, Chowning was in or around Williamsburg as early as May, 1755.² In 1758 Benjamin Waller's account is credited by Craig thus: "1758 Feby 12, By recording Chowning's Deed——"³ In August, 1766, the Bursar's Book of William and Mary College (1763-1770) has this item: "1766 Aug 11, By M^r Josiah Chowning (pd M^r Waller at Ja^s City C^t for his ordinary licence) . . . [UNK]£ 2:15:00"⁴ A Ms. Account Book of the Virginia Gazette for March 27, 1765, has this item: "Josiah Chowning D^o [advertising] Tavern—— [UNK]£ -.7.-"⁵ Other items charged 19 to Chowning at the Virginia Gazette office in 1764 were: "2 Blank Books, 1 small Bible, For Account of Wood, Advertising stray horse, ¼ G^r Bonds &c." In November, 1766, Chowning advertised land and buildings in James City County for sale:

[November 27, 1766]

To be SOLD, and ENTERED upon immediately, A TRACT of LAND in James City county, about 3 miles from Williamsburg, containing 235 acres, whereon is a good new dwelling-house, and all other necessary out-houses, a barn, a garden well paled in, and a fine apple and peach orchard. Any person inclinable to purchase will have an extraordinary bargain of the above land, on applying to
JOSIAH CHOWNING¹

In 1768 Chowning paid 140 pounds tobacco for tax in James City County for 4 Tithes and sheriff's fee &c. In 1769 he was taxed 621 pounds tobacco for 1 Tithe, sheriff's fees, and quitrent on 235 acres of land. (See: Ms. Tax List of James City County for 1768-69.) Chowning, evidently, did not sell his farm property as his administrators offered his dwelling in James City County and personal estate for sale in April, 1772.²

Chowning had moved out of the tavern by April, 1768,³ and William Elliot had come in:

[April 7, 1768]

WILLIAM ELLIOT,
HEREBY acquaints the publick that he has opened TAVERN in the house formerly occupied by Mr. Chowning; where all Gentlemen who shall please to favour him with their custom may depend upon good accommodation for themselves, servants, and horses, and the best entertainment.

Williamsburg, April 7, 1768.

⁴

This is the only reference to William Elliot, tavern-keeper, which could be found in source material except one item: "1769 - William Elliott - 2 tithes." (James City County Tax Lists) .

Jegitts, owner of the property, had been renting to Chowning and then, to Elliot. Jegitts had died by March, 1769, leaving no will, but an inventory and appraisement of his personal estate was recorded in June, 1769. His listed assets were £74.3.3.¹ Jegitts had paid tax in James City County on 6 Tithes and a muster fine.²

Joseph Jegitts, son of John Jegitts, proceeded to offer the property for sale:

October 18, 1770

To be SOLD, by a decree of the Worshipful the Court of YORK, on Saturday the 27^thinstant, before the Raleigh tavern,
THE houses and lot in Williamsburg where John Jeggitts, deceased, lately lived, and at present occupied by the Rev. John Camm. Nine months credit will be allowed, the purchaser giving bond and security to
JOSEPH JEGGITTS, Administrator. ³

The house had not been sold by November, 1770:

WILLIAMSBURG, November 1, 1770.

AS IT WAS OUT OF MY POWER TO ATTEND THE sale of the houses and lot of John Jegitts, deceased, on the 27th ult. this is to give notice that the said houses and lot will certainly be exposed to sale on Saturday the 10th instant, before the Raleigh tavern, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
JOSEPH JEGITTS.⁴

The property was not sold until February, 1771, when John Tyler became owner: 21

[February 16, 1771]

Joseph Jegitts of Williamsburg
to
John Tyler of Williamsburg
Consideration: £137 current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the Day of February in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy one BETWEEN Joseph Jegitts of the City of Williamsburg and John Tyler of the said City of the other part WITNESSETH that WHEREAS John Jegitts late of the said City Deceased was in his life time seised and possessed of a Certain House and Lot of Land situate lying and being in the City of Williamsburg adjoining the Lots of the Honourable John Blair Esquire which the said John Jegitts purchased of Daniel Hoye late of the said City of Williamsburg AND WHEREAS a Bill in Chancery was Exhibited in the County Court of York by John Ellis and others against the said Joseph Jegitts Administrator &c. of the said John Jegitts deceased, and John Jegitts Son and Heir of the said John Jegitts deceased to subject the aforesaid House and Lot to the Demand of them the said Complainants in the Bill mentioned against the said John Jegitts deceasd which said Bill the said County Court of York on the twentieth day of August One Thousand seven hundred and Seventy took under consideration and thereupon ordered and Decreed that the said Joseph Jegitts should make sale of the said House and Lot agreeable to the prayer of the said Bill in Obedience to which Decree the said Joseph Jegitts in the Month of October following exposed to public sale the said House and Lot of Land (to the highest bidder) of which the said John Tyler Gentleman became purchaser for the sum of one hundred thirty seven pounds Current Money of Virginia for and in Consideration of which he the said Joseph Jegitts hath Granted Bargained Sold aliened and Confirmed and by these presents Doth Grant Bargain sell alien and Confirm unto the said John Tyler... the aforesaid House and Lot of Land with all Houses out Houses Yards Gardens Orchards Ways Water Courses... to the said Lot belonging or in any wise Appertaining... TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Lot of Land... unto the said John Tyler his Heirs and Assigns... Forever free and Exonerated of and from all Deeds Executions Judgments Debts or incumbrances touching the same or any part thereof... IN WITNESS whereof the parties have hereunto set their hands and seal month the day and Year above written
Joseph Jegitts LS

Signed Sealed and Delivered
In the presence of Lewis Tyler
John Tazewell
William Cosby

22

Reced Feb^y the 18^th 1771. the sum of one Hundred and Thirty Seven pounds the Consideration within mentioned.
Joseph Jegitts

AT a Court held for York County the 10^th day of Febry 1771.— THIS INDENTURE and the Receipt endorsed were proved by the Oaths of Lewis Tyler John Tazewell and William Cosby the Witnesses thereto and Ordered to be recorded
Teste
Tho^s Everard
Cl Cur
Examined

¹ Recorded York County Court
February 10, 1771

Tyler, having died in 1773, according to his will, directed his "houses and lott in the City of Williamsburg [to be sold] to the best advantage."²

In November, 1773, John Tyler, son and administrator, advertised the property for sale:

TO BE SOLD
THE houses and lots in this city, belonging to my father's estate. For terms apply to
JOHN TYLER.³

On Monday the 29th of this month will be sold all the personal estate of the late Mr. John Tyler; also the houses and lots and a young cook wench with two children. Six months credit for all sums above forty shillings for the personal estate, and twelve months for the houses, &c. Bond and security will be required by
JOHN TYLER, Executor.⁴

Thomas Cole of Williamsburg was the purchaser of the property: 23

April 9, 1774

[John Tyler, executor of John Tyler
to
Thomas Cole¹
Consideration: £152 current money]

THIS INDENTURE made the ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy four BETWEEN John Tyler Executor of the last Will and Testament of John Tyler late of the City of Williamsburg Gentleman deceased of the one part and Thomas Cole of the same place of the other part Whereas the said John Tyler being in his lifetime being Seized in Fee Simple of a Lott of Land and Houses thereon in the City of Williamsburg by his last Will and Testament bearing date the fourth Day of July in the year of our Lord Seven Hundred and seventy three did among other things direct that his Executor the said John Tyler party to these presents should sell the said Lott and Houses to the best advantage as by the said Will duly proved and Recorded in the County Court of York may appear and whereas the said John Tyler hath in pursuance of the said Will sold the said Lot of Land at Public Auction to the said Thomas Cole for the sum of One Hundred and Fifty two pounds he being the highest bidder for the same NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty two pounds Current Money by the said Thomas to the said John in hand paid at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge . . . he the said John Tyler hath Granted Bargained Sold Aliened enfeoffed and confirmed . . . unto the said Thomas Cole and his Heirs and assigns for ever all that the aforesaid Lot of Land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg and County of York adjoining the Lots of John Blair Esquire and denoted in the plan of the said City by the Numbers or Figures 147 being the Lot formerly purchased by the said John Tyler deceased of Joseph Jeggitts and Conveyed by Indenture bearing date the sixteenth Day of February one thousand seven hundred and Seventy one . . . and all Houses buildings Yards . . . and Appurtenances . . . and all the Estate Rights Title . . . TO HAVE AND TO HOLD . . . unto the said Thomas Cole . . . forever . . .
John Tyler LS

Ordered to be recorded in York Court records August 15, 1774

²

We do not know how to reconcile the two sets of owners for Lot 44 from 1770-1774. The records of the General Court have been burned, largely, and records of the Ludwell estate and sequestration of the Paradise property are vague and sketchy. Perhaps some day records - long lost or unknown - will turn up to clear up this title.

The title to Lot 44 with John Paradise as owner and reasons for establishing the "Red Lion" as his property are given below:

In 1770, "Mrs. Paradis's Part" of Philip Ludwell's¹ estate according to the William Lee manuscripts in the Virginia Historical Society was:

Rich Neck
Houses & Lotts in Wmsburg viz
The Tenement adjoing the Speaker	£125
Red Lyon
Powels Tenement	10

Prior to 1770, Walter Lenox, barber and wig-maker, had moved to the Red Lion:

WALTER LENOX,
PERUKEMAKER,
BEGS leave to inform the PUBLICK ... that he has moved to the house known by the name of the Red Lion, next door above Mr. Rind's Printing Office... ¹⁷⁶⁸²

In July, 1770, Richard H. Lee wrote his brother, William Lee, in London, that "the large brick house that Rind lives in ... fell to your share" in the settlement of Ludwell's estate.³ In Volume V 25 of the Lee Manuscript Papers are other references to "Mrs. Paradise's Part":

Mrs. Paradise's Part	£ s d
Rich Neck with Improvements, Slaves, Stock, etc	9553
Houses and Lots in Williamsburg - The Tenement adjoining the Speaker's & Red Lyon	125
Powels Tenements	50

¹

In November, 1770, in the General Court Records was an indenture in which Ludwell's lots in Williamsburg assigned to Mrs. Paradise were described thus:

... also the following lots of land or tenements in the city of Williamsburg to wit one tenement adjoining the Speakers one tenement called the red Lyon where Walter Lenox now lives and the tenement where Peter Powell now lives adjoining the Blue Bell tenement...²

Numerous notices in the Virginia Gazette by Lenox indicate that he was in the city until 1780, that he practiced his trade as a barber, applied for position of "door-keeper" at the Capitol, had a lodging house and became financially involved. A lien on his personal property, amounting to £101.8 current money, indicates that he had considerable furniture of note.³

In September, 1779, an inquisition for the Commonwealth of Virginia was held in York County as to the rights of Paradise, not a citizen of Virginia, to land and lots in Williamsburg (the law conveyed, upon marriage, any property of a woman to her husband):

An Inquisition for the Commonwealth of Virginia Counterpart ... is lodged in the hands of the foreman of the Inquest, to be returned to the courts of the said County taken at the premises hereafter mentioned in the City of Williamsburg in the Parish of Bruton 26 in the County aforesaid the 30th of September in the fourth year of the Commonwealth before James Shields Escheator for the County ... That John Paradise is a subject of the King of Great Britain & that the said John Paradise is seized of one small parcel of land adjoining the Main road from Williamsburg to Cartwrights being on the North side of the road in the County aforesaid the quantity unknown, adjoining the lands of James Cocke, Esqr. & the lands of Joseph Crawley but supposed not to exceed thirty acres, likewise three houses & lots in the City of Williamsburg; the first being on the North side of the Main Street, adjoining the lot of William Lee, Esq., now in the possession of Walter Lenox; the second on the North side of the Market Square, adjoining the lots of Mrs. Betty Randolph, & the lot of William Lee, Esq., now in the possession of Mr. Harrison Randolph; the third being the houses & lot which Peter Many has now in possession being the corner lot on the street leading to the Capitol Landing, & adjoining the lot of William Lee, Esqr., which said lands, houses, & lots of land he holds in his Demesne, & that therefore agreeable to a certain act of Assembly of the last session held for the said Commonwealth at Williamsburg on the third day of May 1779, entitled an act concerning Escheats and forfeitures from British subjects, the said lands, houses, & lots are now become escheated to the Commonwealth.
James Southall

James Sheilds - Eschr. (Seal)
Returned into York County Court By James Southall the 15th. day of November 1779 & ordered to be recorded
Teste
Thomas Everard C. of C.

¹ Recorded York County Court
November 15, 1779

In October, 1779, Cary Wilkinson, agent for John Paradise and Lucy, his wife, presented a petition to the House of Delegates of Virginia, "setting forth that a considerable estate of the said John Paradise which he held in right of his wife, who is a native of this country, hath been found, by inquisitions lately had thereon, to be forfeited under the act concerning escheats and forfeitures from British subjects, that as the said John Paradise is a native 27 of Thessalonia in Greece, and only resident in England from a commercial view having never become a naturalized subject thereof, and has been uniformly attached to the American cause, he conceives the said estate ought not to come within the operation of that law; and praying that it may be relieved therefrom."¹

Paradise was not deprived of his Williamsburg property by escheat. Through the intervention of Jefferson, what Dr. Johnson had termed "Paradise's Loss," became his gain (Williamsburg Scrap Book, p. 38). Williamsburg Land Tax Lists from 1782-1839 indicate that Paradise or his estate held lots.²

His property remained the same until 1824, when the case of Barziza vs. Hopkins and Hodgson appeared in the Court of Appeals of Virginia. Barziza was son-in-law of John and Lucy Paradise; Hopkins and Hodgson had married Mrs. Paradise's nieces, daughters of William Lee. Barziza in the suit was endeavoring to eject the Hopkins and Hodgson defendants from the Paradise property, and Hopkins and Hodgson were claiming that they were the heirs of the Paradises, as Barziza's wife and two sons were aliens and not legally capable of holding property in Virginia. The court decided in favor of Hopkins and Hodgson on the grounds that Mrs. Barziza never was a citizen of this Commonwealth and therefore could not 28 transmit property to her children or heir property.¹

This decision placed Paradise's lots in Williamsburg in the hands of Hodgson or Hopkins. However, the property continued to be listed in the land tax accounts under "Paradise" until 1839, when Samuel S. Griffin acquired "1 lot valued at $250 via Portia Hodgson. Heretofore charged to John Paradise, dec^d."²

In 1843 Samuel S. Griffin gave a deed of trust to secure W. W. Vest and others:

... certain piece or lot of ground, lying and being in the City aforesaid, bounded North by Nicholson street, South by the main street, or Duke of Gloucester street, East, by the Lot of James Lee, formerly Mrs Paradises;³ and West, by a street, or part of the public square of said City, being the same lot of Land, conveyed to the said Samuel S. Griffin, by the deed of Portia Hodgson dated the 3^d day of August 1838, and recorded in the Hustings Court of said City, and containing a half acre, more or less...⁴

In 1860 Griffin's lot was indicated as "Paradise Lot" in the land tax records. It was valued at $800 for lot with buildings; 29 and $200 for buildings.¹

In 1866 Mary L. Wright and James L. C. Griffin leased to Sarah W. Brunet:

A piece of ground in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, part of a lot on Main Street, late the property of Samuel S. Griffin, deceased, which lot is situated between the house and lot of Parkes Slater, now occupied by Charles C. P. Waller, and a lane separating the said lot from the property of Charles Gallagher, now occupied by Moses R. Harrell. The said piece of ground hereby demised, fronting on Main Street in Williamsburg twenty-five (25') feet and running back northwardly retaining said width of front, fifty (50') feet; from the 10th day of October, 1866 for the term of twenty (20) years thence ensuing.²

In 1869 the property is thus described in a deed of trust from Wright and Griffin to Cynthia B. Coleman:

... also that other lot of ground situated and lying in said city, between the said Main and Nicholson Streets and opposite to the first mentioned lot, [Griffin's lot on Nicholson Street, now known as the Tayloe House] and bounded on the east by Mrs. Virginia Slater's lot and west by a side street running at right angles to the said Nicholson and Main Streets, improved by a frame blacksmith shop, and also having standing thereon a store-building, the property of Sarah W. Brunet, and which may be removed by her, according to the terms of a contract with the said parties of the first part...³

In September, 1886, C. W. Coleman, trustee for Cynthia B. Coleman, leased to Sarah W. Brunet: 30

A piece of ground in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, part of a lot on Main Street, late the property of Samuel S. Griffin, deceased, which lot is situated between the house and lot of Parkes Slater now occupied by R. B. Servant, and a lane separating the said lot from the property of V. H. Dickinson, now occupied by V. H. Dickinson. The said piece of ground hereby demised fronting on Main Street in Williamsburg twenty-five feet, and running back northwardly retaining said width of front, fifty feet; from the 10th day of October, 1886, for the term of twenty years thence ensuing.... the said Sarah W. Brunet being always at liberty, at any time to remove from the hereby demised premises any structure which she may erect thereon.¹

Elizabeth Coleman and Charles Coleman, heirs of Cynthia B. Coleman, owned the property until 1928 when it was conveyed to William A. R. Goodwin.²

Further title to the property via Dr. Goodwin to Williamsburg Restoration can be found in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.

Illustration #2
Lot 44

[NOTE: "Estate" used before 1796 (year of Paradise's death) is used in broad meaning - property owned but not lived on.

[NOTE: The titles to Williamsburg property through the land tax lists are not thoroughly satisfactory. They are vague and difficult to understand. It looks as though the title as traced above is to Lot 44.]

Illustration #3
Lot 44

Illustration #4
Lot 44

Rich^d Hill Adm^r
Mark Cosby
Jn^o Coke
Tho^s Vobe

Returned to York County Court the 17^th Day of March 1745 and by the Court Ordered to be Recorded.

Teste
Exam^d
Tho^s Everard Cl Cur.

[Probate Inventory]

[Probate Inventory]

[Probate Inventory]

Illustration #5
Lot 44

March 15, 1756

Patrick Matthews orator of York County recites that James Bird of this county did [Here follows a summary of the mortgage of Oct. 1, 1754 found in York County Records, Book VI, Deeds, p. 8-9] ... And Your Orator further sheweth that the said Sum of one Hundred and fifty Pounds in the said Proviso mentioned or any Part thereof was not paid to your Orator at the Time Thereby limited for Paiment thereof or at any Time since but the Principal Sum of one Hundred & fifty Pounds and the Interest Thereof from the Time your Orator advanced the same is now due from the Said James Bird to your Orator on the said Security and therefore your Orator hath often applied to the said James Bird and required him to pay of [off] and discharge the said Mortgage your Orator being always willing on receiving his Debt to release his Interest in the said Mortgaged Premises to the said James Bird and his Heirs and your Orator expected the said James Bird would have complied with such fair and reasonable Request But now so it is may it Please your Worship that the said James Bird contening and confederating himself to and with divers Persons at present unknown to your Orator (whose names when discovered your Orator prays maybe herein inserted with apt words to charge them as Defendants hereto) how to defeat your Orator of the Benefit of his said Security or some Part thereof or at least to harrass and perplex him in the Possession and Enjoyment of the said mortgaged Premises in Case he should proceed at Law to recover the Possession thereof He the said James Bird sometimes pretends that he never did borrow of your Orator any such Sum of Money and that nither he nor the said Elizabeth ever executed such mortgage or Security to your Orator as is herein before set forth or if they did that he hath since paid off and satisfied the same whereas the said James Bird well know^s the contrary of such his Pretences to be true and that the said principal Sume of one Hundred and fifty Pounds with Interest thereupon from the Time your Orator advanced the same for him remains still due and owing to your Orator on the said Security and at other Times the said James Birds pretends that in Case your Orator should bring his Ejectment and recover the Possession of the said mortgaged Lot or half Acre of Land and of a Smiths Shop & the Ground whereon it stands in the Market Place in the said City leased by the s^d James Bird for a Term of Years & mention'd in the Schedule annexed to the said Indenture or an Action of Detinue & recover the possession of the other Goods & Chattels aforsaid that then your Orator would be considered only in the Nature of a Bailiff or Steward to him the said James Bird and will be from Time to Time accountable for the rents and profits of the said Premises whereby your Orator and those claiming under him may happen to be involved in great Difficulties and the more to perplex your Orator the said James Bird suffers the Houses on the Mortgaged Lands to go to Decay and Neglects to take proper Care of the said Goods by which Means the said Mortgaged Premises are rendered of less Value than they were at the Time of making the said Mortgage and are in Danger of Sinking still lower in Value and yet the said James Bird refuses to pay off and discharge the said Debt so due to your Orator all which Actings Doings and Pretences of the said James Bird are Contrary to Equity and good Conscience and tend to your Orator's apparent Wrong and Damage. In tender Consideration whereof and for as much as your Orator is remediless, in the Premises save by the Aid and Assistance of this Worshipful Court where Matters of this Nature are properly releivable... [Matthews then prays that Bird may answer to the Court whether he mortgaged the property. Matthews prays that Bird either pay £150 and interest or in default thereof] that the said James Bird and Elizabeth his Wife, may stand and be absolutely barred and foreclosed of and from all Right Benefit and Equity of Redemption of the said Mortgageed Premises and that your Orator may be releived in all and Singulor the Premises according to Equity and good Conscience and as the Nature of this Case shall or may require May it please your Worship to grant to your Orator his most gracious Writ or Write of Subpoena &c. [p. 9¹]

Illustration #6
Lot 44

Illustration #7
Lot 44

York County Records
Deeds 8, p. 389.

[Walter Lenox]

[February 11, 1774]

[Mortgage from Walter Lenox, barber of Williamsburg, to Joseph Hornsby Household & chattels to be sold by March 1, 1774 if £101.8 Current money is not paid to Hornsby by Lenox]

"... Eight Feather Beds and Furniture one dozen and a half black Walnut Chairs and black Walnut Tables two black Walnut Tables four Feet Square one black Walnut Tea Table a black Walnut Feild Bed steads and Curtaines two dozen Pictures with [torn] one black Walnut Desk one Buffet with Glass Doors one Safa one Dairy two large looking Glasses eighteen Candle Moulds with Stands and Black Walnut Feathest ? one dozen Silver spoons one pair Silver Tea Tongs and strainer one pair Hand Irons with Brass heads one p^r Stylands one Cart and Gear for four Horses three Horses and three Cows."

[Recorded February 21, 1774]

LOCATION OF "THE RED LION"

Reasons to believe that "The Red Lion" was located on lot #44 (now known as Blair's Brick House) are given below:

Proof that the Red Lion was located on lot #44 hinges on the fact that John Paradise owned the "Red Lyon" as part of his inheritance via Philip Ludwell, father of Lucy Ludwell Paradise. In making a division of Ludwell's property in 1770, "Mrs. Paradise's Part," was noted thus:

"Rich Neck
Houses & Lotts in Wmsburg viz
The Tenement adjoing the Speaker1 ...	£125
Red Lyon ...
Powels Tenement2 ...	10"

(Lee Ms., Virginia Historical Society.)

In 1768 Walter Lenox, barber and wig-maker, announced in the Virginia Gazette that he had moved "to the house known by the name of the Red Lion, next door above Mr. Rind's Printing Office, where he carries on his business in all its branches, as usual, and ... has good accomodations for private lodgers ..." In July 1770 Richard H. Lee wrote his brother, William Lee in London that "the large brick house that Rind lives in³ ... fell to your share" in the settlement of Ludwell's estate. (Lee had married Hannah Ludwell and - as did Paradise - inherited three of Ludwell's houses in Williamsburg also.)

In the General Court Records is an indenture of November 6, 1770 in which Ludwell's lots in the city assigned to Mrs. Paradise were described thus:

"... also the following lots of land or tenements in the city of Williamsburg to wit one tenement adjoining the Speakers one tenement called the red Lyon where Walter Lenox now lives and the tenement where Peter Powell now lives adjoining the Blue Bell tenement..." (Southall Ms. Papers, Uncatalogued, William and Mary College.)

In 1779 an inquisition for the Commonwealth of Virginia was held in York County as to the right of Paradise, not a citizen of Virginia, to land and lots in Williamsburg:

"... likewise three houses & lots in the City of Williamsburg; north main street adjoining William Lee [who owned Paradise House], now in possession of Walter Lennox, lot on north side of Market Sq. adjoining lots of Mrs. Betty Randolph & lot of W^m Lee, now in possession of Mr. Harrison Randolph; the third in possession of Peter Many (houses and lots) on the street leading to Capitol Landing Road & adjoining the Lot of William Lee, Esq."

From the above sources, we see that Mrs. Paradise was allotted the "Red Lyon" as part of her inheritance from Philip Ludwell, her father; that Walter Lenox, barber and wig-maker, rented the "red Lyon" in 1770 and undoubtedly was there in 1768 (see "Reasons against locating The Red Lion on colonial lot #57" attached to this memorandum); and in 1779 the lot was described as "north main street adjoining William Lee, now in possession of Walter Lennox." In 1778 an account of Humphrey Harwood, made out to "M^r Cary Wilkinson for M^r Paradise D^r To 10 bushels of lime 75p^s & ½ d^o of hair 2 2/2 for W. Lenox ... £-.17.-." This seems to indicate that Lenox was occupying property of Paradise and repairs were made for his benefit.

The Williamsburg Land Tax Records beginning in 1782 show that John Paradise's Estate held three lots in Williamsburg valued at £7, and William Lee's Estate held three at same valuation.

Reasons against locating "The Red Lion" on colonial lot #57:

Briefly, if the "Red Lion" was ever located on lot #57, that lot must have been owned prior to 1767 by Philip Ludwell, and must have passed to Lucy and John Paradise by 1770.

According to available records, lot #57, originally owned and built upon by Francis Sharp, 1717-1740, passed to his son John Sharp, who, in 1742, sold it to Henry Wetherburn. Wetherburn died ca. 1760, and left his property to his widow and nephew Edward Nicholson. His widow claimed her share, and Nicholson owned the remainder, including #57, after 1761. Nicholson is noted as the owner of lot #57 in 1773 and 1779, in deeds to adjoining property. In 1787, Henry Nicholson sold lot #57 to Samuel Crawley. (See research report on "Red Lion" block 17, lot #57, pp. 1-8.)

Therefore lot #57 could not have been involved in the settlement of Ludwell's estate in 1770.

Two advertisements in the Gazette refer to the "Red Lion" - neither of them locating the building. In 1766 a Stephen Buck, tailor, announced that he was moving "from the Red Lyon." (Purdie & Dixon, Nov. 6, 1766.) In 1768, a Walter Lenox Perukemaker announced that he had "moved to the house known by the name of the Red Lion, next door above Mr. Rind's Printing Office." (Ibid., March 24, 1768.) The possibility that Rind's printing office was at one time adjoining lot #57 was based on his earlier location as given in his first Gazette and subsequent Gazettes in the year 1766: "WILLIAM RIND, at the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, near the CAPITOL." (May 16-Sept. 5, 1766. Papers missing between that date and February, 1767.) However, Rind moved his printing office; for in the issue of Feb. 19, 1767, he advertised his location: "at the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, on the main street, where Joseph Pullett lately kept Tavern." (Ibid., Feb. 19, 1767.) The location continued to be so given for several weeks, and then was shortened to "at the New Printing-Office on the main Street." The printing office continues "on the main Street" throughout the remainder of Rind's life.

Joseph Pullett had a tavern in Williamsburg in 1766 at which the king's birthday was celebrated by "his Honour the Governour, with some of the principal Gentlemen" who "spent the evening in honour of his Majesty." Pullett died, probably early in 1767 - for his personal property was sold to pay his debts in the spring of that year. An inventory of his personal estate was filed in the York County Records. He did not own his tavern - and could well have leased the Paradise House, prior to Rind's occupancy of it. We do not know when Rind moved to this building - we know that he and his family occupied it by 1770-1774 and he may have followed Pullett's possible occupancy.