Governor's Palace Architectural Report Block 20 Building 3

Thomas Tileston Waterman

1932

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1392
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library

Williamsburg, Virginia

1990

GOVERNOR'S PALACE

GENERAL NOTES:

The elevations were determined by the existing foundations, by the specifications in the act of 1705, and by the horizontal and vertical figures on Thomas Jefferson's plan of the Palace. The design of the front elevation is also in accordance with the engraving of the Palace on the Bodleian Plate.

Record by: Thomas T. Waterman
Date of Record: July 8 [illegible]

EXTERIOR

Slate:

(a)Specifications in Act of 1705, material.
(b)Westover, Slate Roof, precedent.

Dormer Windows:

(a) Bodleian Plate, number, location and type.
(b)Richard Bland House, precedent.

Cornice:

(a)Brafferton Hall, precedent.

Gutter and Leader:

None, except brick gutters which are treated in the Archaeological Report.

Wall Surface:

(a)Specifications in Act of 1705 Material (brick).
(b)Surviving fragment of original wall~~ing~~ that fell, preserving bond, pattern, jointing, brick sizes and coursing of superstructure; and a small fragment of basement wall that fell at N. W. corner of building showing basement walling.
(e)President's House, precedent for all brickwork.

Rubbed and Gauged Brick:

(a)Fragments mentioned above showed that the corners of the building, below the watertable, had narrow rubbed dressings, also the window and door jambs. Also that there was a gauged string course three or four courses high, unmoulded.

Watertable:

(a)No fragments of same were found, but a shelf of 4" left around building by working Jefferson's figures against the foundations would indicate it existed.
(b)Stratford, precedent.

Front Doorway:

(a)Bodleian Plate, general design.
(b)Blair House, precedent, detail of woodwork. Note: Height of brick opening determined by window openings, width conjectural.

Windows:

(a)Bodleian Plate, location and shape of openings.
(b)Jefferson's Plan, "
(c)" ", height of stool above floor which, with the floor height also supplied, gives the approximate height, as usually in early work the top of the window arch touches the bottom of the string course.
(d)Act of 1705, sash windows specified.
(e)Brafferton, wash brick under sill, precedent.
(f)Blandfield, precedent, (modified) flat arches, the fragment of walling above mentioned showing the degree of the splay of the arch.

Shutters:

None.

Basement Wall:

Discussed under "Wall Surface". No windows except two in East Elevation, introduced for ventilation. There may have been others that were removed when the cellar vaults were built. There is much precedent for openings in side walls of basement while the principal elevations had none, such as the President's House. Walls below grade largely, original and discussed in the Archaeological Report.

Basement Wall:

(a)Bodleian Plate, general form.
(b)Photo of East Advance Palace Building from Jones Collection, precedent for detail.

Barge Boards:

None.

W. I. Balcony:

(a)Act of Dec. 12, 1720, existence of.
(b)Bodleian Plate, existence and location of.
(c)Drayton House, Northants, England, Interior stair gallery, precedent for detail of W. I.
(d)Town Hall, Wallingford, England, general treatment.

Steps:

(a)Existing foundation, size and location.
(b)Bodleian Plate, general form.
(c)Existing fragments, detail and kind of stone.
(d)College Building, jointing and W. I. Clamps.

Balustrade on Roof:

(a)Bodleian Plate, type, location, and existence of.
(b)(Detail as yet undecided)

Cupola and Weathervane:

(a)Bodleian Plate

GENERAL NOTES:

The Governors' Palace is a modification of such houses in England at Melton Constable and Stanstead, all of which are practically square in plan covered by deck on hip roofs and possessing cupolas. Rosewell was probably closely a parallel, but with parapet and two cupolas. It also had the flat deck covered with lead. No other contemporaries of the Palace seem to have had this form, but it later appeared as a hip on hip roof over a square plan at Mt. Airy, Blandfield, Menokin, and possibly Shirley.

EAST, WEST AND NORTH ELEVATIONS:

The foregoing remarks also apply to these elevations except that as the Bodleian Plate only showed the front elevation the others were a matter of carrying the window motives around, spaced as in Jefferson's Plan. The West Elevation alone varied, and that was in the side entrance which was shown on Jefferson's Plan. The same type was used here as was employed for the front doorway with a single leaf door. The foundations for the steps remain, which determine the center of the door and the large fragment of walling that fell and has been preserved shows the south jamb of this door as well as the north jamb of the adjacent window to the south. This, of course, determined the location of this window. The three 2nd Floor windows In the center of the N. Elevation which must have been closed when the Ball Room Wing was built are indicated as blocked on the building.

BALL ROOM WING:

All elevations of this wing are conjectural. The overall dimensions were taken from Jefferson's plan and the incomplete foundations. The arrangement of the windows with a door on the main axis of the North Elevation was shown also on Jefferson's Plan. The window openings themselves are closely similar to those of the main building in width and height, the heads, however, having the soffit of the flat arches cut to a segment, like Rosewell and the Nelson House, both of these having, however, keystones. There are sunk panels between the sill and the watertable similar to those at Larkfield, Bradbourne, Kent, England. The notes on walling on the main building apply here too, wide rubbed dressings being used on corners and jambs similar to Wilton, 1754, to indicate the difference in period from the main building. It was decided that chimneys would not be feasible on this wing, even though stoves were known to have been installed in 1770.

NORTH DOORWAY:

(a)Rosewell, precedent for general design.
(b) " " for Bolection wood trim.
(c)Carter's Grove, precedent, door filling whole opening, no transom.
(d)Longbridge, Farnham, Surry, England, detail of pilasters.

PORCH:

(a)Botetourt Inventory, Palace Book page 209.
(b)Foundations, location and size.
(c)College Building, precedent for detail of pierced w. i. newel. Also Carshalton House, Surry, England.

GABLE PEDIMENT:

Notes: This feature is entirely conjectural, but is precedented by such buildings as the Nelson House and Berkeley, and by the wings of the James Semple House. The Holden Chapel, Harvard College, has a similar wood pediment with carved ornament.

CORNICE:

From William Paine's Book.

PLAN:

The Plan of the building was determined by the existing foundations and Jefferson's Plan and uses of rooms allocated by Lord Botetourt's inventory, in which the rooms could be identified by the number Of Venetian blinds therein.

INTERIOR:

FLOOR, FIRST

ROOM, MIDDLE

Floor: (Marble over concrete)

(a)Marble pattern, Raynham, Essex, England
(b)Kinds of marble, fragments on site.
(c)Marble floor on wood beams, Miles Brewton House, Charleston, S. C.

Floor Nails:

None.

Beams:

None, concrete construction.

Walls & Wall Covering:

Brick, terra cotta tile furring and tile partitions, all covered with paneling.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Base Board:

Detail modified from Perrin House, Sara's Creek, Gloucester.

Chair Rail:

Detail modified from Perrin House, Sara's Creek, Gloucester Co.

Cornice:

Full entablature, Carter's Grove.

Paneling:

(a)Material walnut, fragment of moulding found on the site.
(b)Precedent for walnut paneling, Tuckahoe.
(c)General design, Carter's Grove.
(d)Panel mould " "
(e)Pilaster cap, Derelict cap from Bruton Church Reredos.
(f)Pilaster base, Wilton
(g)Double corner bead, Lower Weyanoke
(h)Arch to rear hall, precedent Tuckahoe. Precedent for detail Carter's Grove.

Mantel:

Design and kinds of marble from existing fragments.

Fireplace and Hearth:

(a)Underfire stone, re-used fragments from site.
(b)Raised hearth, from fragments on site.
(c)Stone underfire, precedent Rosewell.
(d)Design of fireplace

Windows:

(a)Trim, St. George Tucker House.
(b)Shutters, Brooks Bank
(c)Splayed seat back, Sabine Hall.
(d)Muntin detail, Bruton Church.
(e)Meeting rail, Golden Ball Tavern, derelict sash.

Closets:

Closet on diagonal balances the chimney breast, shown on Jefferson's Plan.

Doors & Trim:

(a)Material walnut, precedent Randolph-Peachy House.
(b)Panel arrangement, precedent Stratford.
(c)Trim, St. George Tucker House.
(d)Panel,Mould, Wythe House.

Metal Work on Door:

Color:

Natural American Walnut.

Equipment:

General Notes:

ROOM, LITTLE DINING ROOM

Floor:

Antique Pine (Not as yet (6/24/32) allocated.) over concrete.

Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

No beams, concrete pan construction used.

Walls & Walls Covering:

Exterior walls terra cotta furred; interior partitions terra cotta, covered with paneling.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Moulded, precedent; Denham Place, Bucks, England

Chair Rail:

Moulded; Precedent, Carter's Grove

Cornice:

Size and profile; Modified from William Paine's Book

Paneling:

Panel mould, State House,Newport, R. I.

Mantel:

(a)Design, detail and kinds of marble, fragments on site.

Fireplace and Hearth:

(a)Stone underfire, fragments on site.
(b)Stone underfire, precedent, Rosewell.
(c)Marble Hearth, fragments on site.
(d)Fireplace construction, throat, etc., Rosewell.

Windows:

Notes on MIDDLE ROOM windows apply here.

Closets:

None.

Doors & Trim:

(a) - -)
(b) - -)
(c) - -) Notes on MIDDLE ROOM apply here too.
(d)Panel Mould, Nightengale House.

Metal Work on Door:

Color:

Equipment

General Notes:

Roll mouldings have been used around the panels to indicate the early period of the house and to recall the sumptuous rooms of that type in England that declined in favor about 1700 but were used until 1740 in this country, as at the State House, Newport, R. I.

ROOM: PARLOR

Note: All notes on the LITTLE DINING ROOM apply here except as follows:

Paneling:

Panel mould, Hampton Court Palace.

Mantel:

(a)Design, detail and kinds of marble, fragments on site.
(b)The design of this mantel was reconstructed solely from the fragments, but was later found to closely parallel a mantel in Eltham Lodge, near London, England, and it would seem that both were the work of the same craftsman.

Closets:

The existence of this closet was obvious from the foundations and was also shown on Jefferson's Plan. It was also mentioned In Lord Botetourt's Inventory, Palace Book, Page 181. The fireplace in this closet is precedented by one in a similar location at Rosewell, from which the detail was copied. The mantel is a modification of one at Honington Hall, the English home of the Skipwiths of Prestwould, Mecklenburg County, Virginia. Cornice, chair-rail and base, local colonial precedent.

Color:

Painted Cream Color. Palace Book, page 108.

ROOM: DINING ROOM

Floors:

Same as in LITTLE DINING ROOM

Nails:

Same as in LITTLE DINING ROOM

Beams:

Same as in LITTLE DINING ROOM

Walls & Wall Covering:

Same as in LITTLE DINING ROOM

Ceiling:

Same as in LITTLE DINING ROOM

Baseboard:

Mould from Hampton Court Palace.

Chair Rail:

Modified from Reredos Pedestal, Abingdon Church.

Cornice: (Full Entablature)

William Paine's Book. Modified Inigo Jones type.

Paneling:

(a)Overmantle panel: (Newcastle House, Lewes, England. (Very similar Mattaponi Church reredos.
(b)Panel mould, Hampton Court Palace.
(c)Chimney Breast treatment, Dyrham Park, Gloucester, England.
(d)Detail of order, William Paine's book.

Mantel:

(a)General design, precedent, Peachy-Randolph House.
(b)Detail and kind of marble, fragments found on the site.

Fireplace and Hearth:

(a)Underfire, stone, fragments found on site.
(b)Underfire, stone, precedent, Rosewell.
(c)Fireplace construction, etc., Rosewell
(d)Hearth, marble tile, precedent Richard Bland House.
(e)Hearth, marble tile, fragments found on site.

Windows:

See notes on MIDDLE ROOM, also apply here.

Closets:

None.

Door and Trim:

Same as MIDDLE ROOM, except panel mould from Nightengale House.

Metal Work on Door:

Color:

Painted Pearl Grey, Palace Book, page 108.

Equipment:

General Notes:

This room shows variations from other rooms in Tidewater Virginia of which it is reminiscent. Rooms with full entablatures as at Shirley and Westover have pulvinated friezes which here are changed to a flat frieze. The embryonic pilasters found at Tuckahoe and Rosegill flanking the mantle are here fully developed Corinthian orders, with the return of the breast accentuated by a half pilaster as at Dyrham Park, England.

ROOM: LITTLE MIDDLE ROOM:

Floor:

Antique pine (not yet allotted) over concrete.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

No beams, concrete pan system used.

Walls and Wall Coverings:

Brick walls, terra cotta tile furring and partitions, all covered with paneling.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal laths.

Baseboard:

Precedent of mould, Chapter House, St. Paul's Cathedral, London, England.

Chair Rail:

Precedent of mould, Carter's Grove.

Cornice:

Precedent, Hall of Elizabeth Coleman House.

Paneling:

(a)Precedent of panel mould, Bruton Church, West Door.
(b)Over mantel panel arrangement, Wilton.

Mantel:

(a)No mantel, bolection surround used, precedent for moulding Chelsea Hospital, modified.
(b)Local precedent, Abingdon Glebe House.
(c)Fireplace facing, Dutch tile, some found in site reused, others antique to match.

Fireplace and Hearth:

(a)Underfire, brick, local colonial precedent.
(b)Fireplace construction, precedent, Rosewell.
(c)Hearth, brick, local colonial precedent.

Windows:

See MIDDLE ROOM, notes apply here also.

Closets:

Closet under stair, authority Botetourt Inventory. See Palace Book, page 185.

Doors and Trim:

See MIDDLE ROOM, note applies here also, except south door pine also east door-trim, precedent for this, front door Rainham, Essex.

Metal Work on Doors:

Color:

Equipment:

General Notes:

ROOM: HALL #107

Floor:

Antique pine (not yet allotted) over concrete.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

No beams, concrete pan system construction.

Walls and Wall Covering:

Exterior walls brick, terra cotta tile furring, and partitions all covered with paneling.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Precedent for moulding, Hampton Court Palace.

Chair Rail:

Continuation of Stair Rail Moulding.

Cornice:

William Paine's Book, Modified Inigo Jones type.

Paneling:

Precedent for Panel mould, Hampton Court Palace.

Mantel:

None.

Fireplace & Hearth:

None.

Windows:

None.

General Notes:

The design of this stair and hall has been made more reminiscent of 17th century English work than later Virginia to indicate that this is the earliest "great house" in Virginia (except Greenspring) and to emphasize the transition that took place between Wren's decline and the coming of the Neo-classic Burlingtonian school.

Stairs:

(a)Plan- Jefferson's Plan.
(b)Plan of stairs projecting into hall, The Vyne, Hants, England.
(c)Detail of stairs projecting into hall, modified, The Vyne, Hants.

Risers & Treads:

(a)Material, white oak, precedent, Hampton Court Palace.
(b)Nosing mould, precedent Harrington House, London.
^{Insert - precedent Carter's Grove [illegible] idea TMS

but in detail of design the carters grove [illegible] and [illegible] as being a [illegible] direct copy. [illegible]A letter from Macomber dated June 1 1934 states that he got the idea for these nosing pegs from Carters Grove but believing it best not to copy the Carters Grove ones literally and also believes that designs of this sort were always more or less the [illegible] of the builder he used the design [illegible] is quite common and then logically enough added the [illegible]}

Newel and Handrail:

(a)Detail of newel inspired by Dunster Castle, Somerset, stair.
(b)Detail of handrail, modified from Abingdon Church, Reredos Pedestal Cap.

Balusters:

Design and detail from derelict balusters from Northampton, England, late 17th century. Also precedented by Lady Francis Wentworth house, Portsmouth, N. H., now removed and owned by the Metropolitan Museum, N.Y.

Stringer:

Modified from Castle Bromwich, Warwickshire, England.

Closed String:

Yes. Precedent Castle Bromwich, Warwickshire, England

Landing:

(a)From Jefferson's Plan
(b)Oak floor. ? ^{Parquetry precedent Carters Grove Design can be found in Battery Langley. HRS & [illegible] TMS}

Powdering Closet:

(a)Authority for location, Jefferson's Plan.
(b)Existence of, Botetourt Inventory, Palace Book, page 185.
(c)Baseboard, local Colonial Precedent.
(d)Chair Rail, local Colonial Precedent.
(e)(e) Cornice, Local Colonial Precedent.
(f)Floor, antique pine, not yet allotted.

Door & Trim:

Door to Dining Room:

Material walnut, precedent, Randolph-Peachy House.
Panel arrangement, precedents Stratford.
Panel mould, precedent Nightengale House.
Trim, precedent St. George Tucker House.
Overdoor, precedent Raynham, Essex, England.

Door to Ball Room:

(a)Material walnut, precedent Randolph-Peachy House.
(b)Panel arrangements precedent Tredegar Park, Wales.
(c)Panel mould, precedent Gunston Hall.
(d)Trim, precedent, Hampton Court Palace.

Doors (Three) in West Wall:

(a)Material, Walnut. Precedent Randolph-Peachy House.
(b)Panel arrangement, Teddington.
(c)Panel mould, Nightengale House.
(d)Trim, precedent, Rutland Lodge, Petersham, England.

Metal Work on Doors:

Color:

Natural walnut.

Equipment:

Arch over Stair:

Modified from arch at Hanbury Hall, Warwickshire, England.

ROOM: BALL ROOM

Floor:

Antique pine (not yet allotted) over concrete.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Steel truss.

Wall and Wall Covering:

Brick walls, terra cotta tile furring and partitions; covering, dado below plaster.

Ceiling:

Plaster cove with plain center panel recessed in plaster moulding, all on metal lath. Precedent, Miles Brewton House, Charleston, S. C.

Baseboard:

Precedent for moulding, Kent House, Hammersmith, London, England.

Chair Rail:

Precedent for moulding, West House, Yorktown.

Cornice:

Precedent, Shirley, Charles City Co., Virginia.

Wainscot (Dado)

Precedent for panel moulds Miles Brewton House, Charleston, S. C.

Mantel:

None.

Fireplace and Hearth:

None.

Windows:

(a)General design, Brooks Bank.
(b)Architrave, William Pane's Book.
(c)Window seat moulds Harrington House, London.
21
(d)Shutters, Brooks Bank.
(e)Muntins, modified from Bruton Church.

Closets:

None.

Doors & Trim:

(a)Material walnut, precedent Randolph-Peachy House.
(b)Panel mould (carved) Gunston Hall.
(c)General design and detail of doorway, Tredegar Park, Wales.
(d)Bolection door trim, Rosewell.

Metal Work on Doors:

Color:

Equipment:

General Notes:

ROOM: SUPPER ROOM

Floor:

Antique pine (not yet allotted) over concrete.

Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Steel truss.

Walls & Wall Covering:

Brick walls, terra cotta tile furring; covering, dado below plaster.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath, coved with flat center panel.

Baseboard:

Precedent, Kent House, Hammersmith, London.

Chair Rail:

Precedent, Carter's Grove.

Cornice:

Precedent, Hammond-Harwood House, Annapolis.

Wainscot:

Unpaneled, precedent Carter's Grove.

Mantel:

None.

Fireplace:

None.

Windows:

(a)General design, Chase House, Annapolis.
(b)Architrave, Hampton Court Palace.
(c)Consoles, The Royal Fort, Gloucester, England.
(d)Shutters, Hammond-Harwood House, Annapolis.
(e)Muntins, modified, Bruton Church.

Closets:

None.

Doors & Trim:

(a)Material walnut, Randolph-Peachy House.
(b)Arrangement of panels, Tredegar Park, Wales.
(c)Panel mould, Gunston Hall.
(d)Architrave, Hampton Court Palace.
(e)Frieze carving, St. Paul's Cathedral, London.
(f)Pediment, with concave rake- Badminton, England; Honington Hall, Warwickshire.

Metal Work on Door:

Color:

Equipment:

General Notes:

An effort has been made in this room to secure the effect of such later houses as Gunston and the Hammond-Harwood House, in differentiation from the older main building of the Palace. A Chinese flavor has been introduced by the pagoda pediments and the rococo ornament.

ROOM: ENTRY

Notes on Powdering Closet apply here too. Door, type similar to Page House, Williamsburg.

SERVICE STAIR:

Closed string continuous newels; Precedent, Cranborone Manor House, Dorsett England. Plan of stair from Jefferson's Plan. Detail balusters from Roper Lee House. All woodwork pine, walls and soffits plastered.

FLOOR: SECOND

ROOM: HALL

Floor:

Antique Pine, not yet allotted.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Concrete, pan system, construction.

Walls & Wall Covering:

Brick walls, terra cotta tile furring. Partitions terra cotta tile. Covering, paneled dado below plaster.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Precedent, Hampton Court Palace.

Chair-Rail:

Continuation of Stair Rail, modified from Dado Rail on Reredos, Abingdon Church, Gloucester County.

Cornice:

Adapted from William Paine's Book.

Wainscot:

Panel mould, modified from Bruton Church Door.

Mantel:

None

Fireplace:

None

Windows:

None

Closets:

None

Doors & Trim

All doors N and E Walls.
(a)Material walnut, Randolph-Peachy House.
(b)Panel arrangement, Stratford.
(c)Panel mould, Nightengale House.
(d)Trim St. George Tucker House. South door, as preceding, except doors are double, precedent for two valves, Kenmore. Panel arrangement of West door, Teddington; trim, St. George Tucker House.

Metal Work on Doors:

Equipment:

Stairwell:

Design inspired by Ashburton House, Westminster, London. Details of pilasters, arches, cornice from William Paine's Book. Window trim from house in Chelsea, England. Shutters and muntins same as typical 2nd floor windows, except shutters fixed. Trim, returns around stool, local Colonial precedent. Cove ceiling from Miles Brewton House, Charleston, S. C. Ornamental medallion in center panel from Hampton Court Palace.

ROOM: MIDDLE

Floor:

Antique pine, not yet allotted.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Concrete, pan system construction.

Walls & Wall Covering:

Brick walls, terra cotta tile furring and partitions; covering, plaster above a wood dado.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Precedent-- Hampton Court Palace.

Chair-Rail:

Precedent-- Carter's Grove.

Cornice:

Precedent-- Upper stair hall, St. Michaels Church, Charleston, S.C.

Wainscot:

Precedent for panel mould, Bruton Church Door.

Mantel:

(a)Marble surround, fragments near site.
(b)Woodwork: Modified, Hampton Court Palace
" Drayton, Northamptonshire.

Fireplace & Hearth:

(a)Underfire, stone fragments found on site.
(b) " Precedent, Rosewell.
(c)Fireplace construction, etc., precedent, Rosewell.
(d)Hearth, marble, fragments on site, but no marble of this exact kind found (Sienna)
(e)^{General design precedent Hampton Court Palace [illegible]}

Windows:

(a)General design, Ormeley Lodge, Ham, London.
(b)Trim, St. George Tucker House.
(c)Shutters, Brooks Bank.
(d)Muntins, Bruton Church sash modified.
(e)Hinged access panels, center door, Hammond-Harwood House, Annapolis.
" " " -evidence for, see Palace Book, Page 98.

Closets:

No evidence.

Doors and Trim:

(a)Doors same as in Hall.
(b)Trim, St. George Tucker House.
(c)Pediments, modified from Belton, Lincolnshire.

Metal Work on Doors:

Color:

Natural Walnut.

Equipment:

General Notes:

That this room possessed a low dado and not full paneling is indicated by the proposal of the Council, 1710, "that the great Room in the second Story be furnished with gilt leather hangings…". This expression "Great Room" led to the adoption of a set back mantel instead of cutting off the corner and balancing it with a closet as in the room below, so as to preserve the apparent size of the room as much as possible.

ROOM: HIS LORDSHIPS

Floor:

Antique Pine (not yet allotted) over concrete.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Concrete, pan system, construction.

Walls and Wall Covering:

Brick walls, terra cotta furring and partitions, all covered with paneling.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Precedent, Chapter House, St. Paul' s Cathedral, London.

Chair Rail:

Precedent, Newcastle House, Lewes, England.

Cornice:

From William Paine's Book.

Paneling:

Panel mould, Bruton Church Door.

Mantel and Overmantel:

(a)General design after style of Tuckahoe.
(b)Detail of Bolection, Hampton Court Palace.
(c)Detail of Overmantel Panel, Reredos Panels, Mataponi Church.
(d)Mirror in Overmantel Panel, Hampton Court Palace.

Fireplace and Hearth:

(a)Underfire, brick, local Colonial Precedent.
(b)Hearth, brick, Local Colonial Precedent.
(c)Facing, Dutch Tiles, fragments found on site.
(d)Construction of fireplace, throat, etc., Rosewell.

Windows:

(a)General design, Sabine Hall.
(b)Trim, St. George Tucker-House.
(c)Shutters, Brooks Bank.
(d)Muntins, Bruton Church sash.
(e)Window seat, Sabine Hall.

Closets:

No evidence.

Doors and Trim:

As in hall, except North door pine.

Metal Work on Doors:

Equipment:

General Notes:

ROOM: STUDY

Floor:

Antique pine (not yet allotted) over concrete.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Concrete, pan system, construction.

Walls and Wall Covering:

Brick walls, terra cotta furring and partitions, covering paneling and plaster.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard:

No base.

Chair-Rail:

Precedent, St. George Tucker House.

Cornice:

From William Paine's Book.

Mantel:

Architrave, St. George Tucker House.

Fireplace and Hearth:

(a)Underfire brick, local Colonial precedent.
(b)Hearth, brick, local Colonial precedent.
(c)Fireplace construction etc., Rosewell.
(d)Facing, plaster, Roper Lee House.

Windows:

See His Lordships Chamber.

Closets:

No evidence.

Paneling & Wainscot:

South side of room paneled after style of Tuckahoe, other wall wainscoted to height of 4'-6" as at Marmion. Panel mould modified from Bruton Church Door.

Doors and Trim:

For door in East Wall see HALL notes. For door in South Wall see HIS LORDSHIPS CHAMBER. Pine.

Metal Work on Door:

Color:

Equipment:

General Notes:

ROOM: NORTH-EAST

Floor:

Antique pine, not yet allotted.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Concrete, pan system, construction.

Walls & Wall Covering:

Brick, terra cotta tile furring and partitions, all covered by paneling.

Ceiling:

Plaster, on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Precedent Hampton Court Palace.

Chair-Rail:

Precedent, dado in the Gyffre Museum, London.

Cornice: (Entablature)

William Paine's Book.

Paneling:

(a)General design, Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire, England.
(b)Panel mould, Bruton Church.

Mantel and Overmantel:

(a)General design, Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire, England.
(b)Detail of Bolection, Hampton Court Palace.
(c)Shelf, Toddsbury.
(d)Pilasters, William Paine's Book.

Fireplace and Hearth:

(a)Underfire, brick, local Colonial precedent.
(b)Hearth, brick tile, Blair House.
(c)Construction of fireplace, Rosewell.
(d)Fireplace facing and lining, Dutch tile, fragments on site. Precedent the Province House, Boston.

Windows:

Similar to His Lordship's Chamber, except trim around opening; precedent, Wilton on the Pianketank.

Closets:

Lord Botetourt's Inventory, Palace Book, Page 189.

Doors and Trim:

(a)Doors same as Hall, except South door pine.
(b)Trim, Dinwiddie Saunders House.

Metal Work on Doors:

Color:

Equipment:

General Notes:

ROOM: SOUTHEAST BEDROOM

Floor:

Antique pine, not yet allotted.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

No beams, concrete, pan system, construction.

Walls and Wall Covering:

Brick, tile furring and partitions all covered with paneling.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Precedent, Chapter House, St. Paul's Cathedral, London.

Chair-Rail:

Precedent, Newcastle House, Lewes, England.

Cornice:

From William Paine's Book.

Paneling:

Mould modified from Bruton Church door.

Mantel and Overmantel:

Design and all detail, Stone Gate House, King's Lynn, England.

Fireplace and Hearth:

See His Lordships Chamber

Doors:

Same as His Lordships Chamber.

Closet:

See North-East Room.

Windows:

See His Lordships Chamber.

Metal Work on Doors:

Color:

Equipment:

General Notes:

ROOM: STAIRHALL

Floor:

Antique pine, not yet allotted.

Floor Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Steel.

Walls and Wall Coverings:

All partitions Gypsum Block, plastered direct.

Ceiling:

(a)Vaulted, precedent Thorpe Hall, Northampton, England.
(b)Plaster, on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Beaded base, Precedent, Roper Lee House.

Chair-Rail:

Beaded board, Precedent, McCandlish House.

Cornice:

Modified from Christ Church, Lancaster County.

Paneling:

None

Mantel:

None

Fireplace:

None

Windows:

None

Closets:

None

Doors & Trim:

(a)Material pine, local Colonial Precedent.
(b)Panel arrangement, Page House, Williamsburg
(c)Panel mould, Randolph-Peachy House
(d)Trim, Roper Lee House.

Metal Work on Door:

Color:

Equipment:

STAIRS:

Spiral to Cupola, Thorpe Hall, Northamptonshire, England. Steel covered with wood, Wood Ladder to Lantern. Precedent St. George Tucker House.

Risers & Treads:

(a)Steel, wood covered.
(b)Nosing, local Colonial precedent.

Newel & Handrail:

(a)Newel, Thorpe Hall, Northamptonshire, England.
(b)Posts, Roper-Lee House
(c)Handrail, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh.
(d)Drop on post, Wythe House.

Balusters:

Modified from Roper-Lee House.

Stringer:

Modified from Castle Bromwick, Warwickshire, England

Closed or 0pen String:

Closed.

Landing:

No landing below Cupola Floor.

CUPOLA INTERIOR

Floor:

Antique pine, not yet allotted, over steel.

Nails:

"Antique cut" nails.

Beams:

Steel.

Walls & Wall Covering:

Wood sheathing on steel angles.

Ceiling:

Sheathed wood.

Baseboard:

None.

Chair-Rail:

None.

Cornice:

Precedent, Page House.

Wainscot:

Beaded sheathing, laid horizontally below and above windows. Precedent, Market Square Tavern. Lantern above, plain. sheathed.

Mantel:

None

Fireplace:

None

Windows:

Precedent: Roper Lee House, sash and trim.

Closets:

None.

Doors:

Trap door in ceiling.

Metal Work on Door:

Color:

Equipment:

General Notes:

FLOOR: THIRD

ROOM: ALL OTHERS

Floor:

Same as Hall.

Floor Nails:

Same as Hall.

Walls, etc.:

Same as Hall.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard:

Same as Hall.

Chair-Rail:

None.

Cornice:

None

Paneling:

None.

Mantels:

Two types, both inspired by antique mantels in the Blair House, from S. E. Virginia.

Fireplace and Hearth:

(a)Underfire Brick-, Roper-Lee House
(b)Hearth " " "
(c)Construction " " "

Windows:

Dormers, like Barlow House.

Closets:

No evidence.

Doors & Trim:

Same as Hall, trap door in closet, no evidence.

Metal Work on Doors:

Same as Hall.

Color:

Equipment:

General Notes:

BASEMENT

UNDER MIDDLE ROOM.

Floor:

Original stone floor (Probably Purbeck stone) found in place, except for section 7'9" wide against south wall which is of brick paving.

Beams:

Two brick piers about 10' 6" from center to inside of south wall and 10' 0" on centers apart would seem to have supported girders running North and South with the floor rafters running East and West. The span of these latter would then be reduced to about that of those in the Miles Brewton House, which also support a marble floor. In the Brewton House the rafters have a span of approximately seven or eight feet, and are about three by four, with the corners beaded. The marble floor has a plank underfloor. In the case of the Palace all wood framing was displaced in favor of concrete floors.

Walls:

All walls are original up to from one foot to four feet above grade, of brick laid in English bond. Above this point, and in the S. E. corner they are rebuilt. All basement walls are exposed brick.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath, hung on ^concealingheat ducts.

Fireplace:

No fireplace, but chimney foundation remains to a height of 2' 6". That this part of the W. chimney is a later addition is indicated by the fact that it is built against the walls and not integrally with them. The usual recess under the fireplace was shown in the foundation but no fireplace.

Doors:

Width of W. door was indicated by the brick opening in which recesses were left for the door frame. The doors are vertically sheathed batten doors, of antique material, no finish.

Door Hardware:

Equipment:

CELLAR UNDER PARLOR

Floor:

Original stone floor except in right hand closet, which is new brick.

Walls:

Fragments of left hand wall, Flemish Bond, original to 2'-0" above floor; right hand wall rebuilt. Chimney foundation original to 2'0" above floor. Exterior walls original to 1'-6" above floor, except center section East side rebuilt and Scout Wall rebuilt.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath hung from heat ducts and concrete slab.

Fireplace:

None, but recess for fireplace above shows here.

Windows:

Existence conjectural, openings in similar location at the President's House. Detail of grille similar to President's House, glazed for modern necessity.

Doors:

Flush frames, batten doors, antique material, no finish.

Door Hardware:

General Notes:

It would appear that the East chimney fell due South, as a deep indentation shows in the passage floor and the South wall of the passage was thrust out of plumb and of position. The south wall at this point was badly disintegrated.

CELLAR UNDER LITTLE DINING ROOM:

Floor:

Original stone floor.

Walls:

Exterior walls original up to about 3'-0" above floor except in N. W. Corner, which had completely disappeared. This space had been divided by a brick 8" wall, laid in Flemish bond, built on a slight diagonal, East and West.

Ceiling:

Plaster on metal lath hung from heat ducts and concrete slab.

Fireplace:

No fireplace, but foundations of chimney remain and new chimneys are built upon them. The recess under fireplace above.

Door:

Flush frame and vertical sheathed batten door, antique material, no finish.

Door Hardware:

Equipment:

Steps:

The exterior steps descend into the S.W. Cellar, The original 47 steps would seem to have been rebuilt at a subsequent period. These latter have been repaired with new wood nosings added. A piece of wall coping was found built into lowest riser, to act as a lintel for drain opening.

CENTRAL REAR PASSAGE:

Floor:

Original stone floor except in S. W. corner where a brick area is shown. The size of the service stairs above, probably being enclosed by a sheathed partition on the line of the junction of these two floors.

Walls:

Original walls remained to height of above floor, new work continuation of old.

Ceiling:

Plaster, on metal lath, hung from concrete slab and heat ducts.

Doors & Trim:

Flush frames, vertically sheathed batten doors. Widths determined by existing openings. All material antique, no finish.

Door Hardware:

Stair:

See notes on Service Stair on First Floor.

NORTH EAST VAULT

Floor:

West half, original brick floor. East half was missing and replaced with new brick.

Walls:

South wall rebuilt, north wall old to about 21-011 above floor, also east and west walls.

Ceiling

New brick vault, similar to that at Rosewell.

Door & Trim:

See Rear Central Passageways.

Door Hardware:

Equipment:

SOUTH EAST VAULT:

Referred to in Botetourt Inventory as Binn Cellar.

Floor:

Original brick floor.

Walls:

East wall rebuilt, other walls old up to above floor.

Ceiling:

New brick vault, similar to that at Rosewell.

Door:

See Rear Central Passage.

NORTH WEST VAULT:

Floor:

Original brick floor.

Walls:

North and West walls new. South and East walls old to above floor.

Door:

See Rear Central Passageway.

Door Hardware:

SOUTH WEST VAULT

Floor:

Some old paving remains supplemented with new brick paving.

Walls:

West wall new. Other walls original to above floor.

HEATER ROOM:

Entirely modern, formerly unexcavated.