Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1124
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
During the spring and early summer of 1940, archaeological investigations of the Christian Lot were made. This area also included the lot to the east known as the Savage property but nothing was found there other than the east end of a building near the intersection of Francis and Waller Streets.
The remains of two large buildings and many outbuildings were uncovered in this area which is bound by the Capitol Square, Duke of Gloucester Street, Waller Street and Francis Street.
On Francis Street near the southwest corner of the Christian Lot was found the brick foundation of a 32'0" x 20'¼" 18th century dwelling with a 6'3½" x 3'7" outside chimney (a-1) on the west end. The wall thickness of this foundation was 13¾" and the wall rested on a 18" spread footing of brick. This building did not have a basement. An area of brickwork and fill (a-2) was found centering on the south side of the foundation indicating the probable location of the front entrance.
Brick Size - 8¾" to 9" x 4¼" x 2½" Color - Lt. red Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Poor
At the southwest corner was the foundation of a passageway (a-3) which connected this building with another-twenty feet to the west. This passageway was built later than either of the two buildings 2 it connected. There was a 10'0" x 6'0" bay (a-4) which centered between the two buildings and projected approximately 2'6" into Francis Street.
A second building was constructed on this foundation according to the fragmentary remains of an 8½" wall (a-5) (a-6) which was built on top of the early 13¾" wall. The second building was 35'3" x 20'9" and was constructed after the earlier one had been moved or demolished. The outside chimney of the original building was also done away with, and a later inside chimney (a-7) built on the east end. This late chimney accommodated a 7'6" fireplace which is exceptionally large for a dwelling. It may be that this portion of the building was used as a kitchen and that the earlier kitchen building in the rear had been demolished or discontinued for cooking purposes. Probably much of the timber and brickwork used in the second structure was salvaged from the earlier building as there was no evidence that a fire ever occurred on this site.
Brick Sizes - 8½" x 4" x 2½" Color - Dark Red Bond - Common Mortar - Line
A small 7'0" x 6'0" storage pit (a-8) with brick sides, was located in the northwest corner of the building. This was built later than the second building and it may be noted that part of the early chimney and foundation wall (a-1) was cut through when the pit was dug.
See Photographs N6357, N6359 and N6457
In 1931 when the Mayo lot was excavated, this area was not disturbed on account of being on the Christian lot, whose occupants had life tenure. In 1940 the east end of this foundation was completely 3 investigated and the remains of a leanto and chimney foundation (b-1) was discovered along with portions of the original east foundation walls (b-2). This building appears to have been constructed originally without a basement but later one was added, which seems to be of about the same period as the leanto on the rear.
At the northeast corner of the leanto was the head of a brick drain (b-3) which ran water into the ravine just north of the capitol. This drain is of a late period of construction and was probably built to carry water from around the house after the basement was dug.
See archaeological report covering the Mayo lot, written by H. S. Ragland in 1931, for further information concerning foundations in this area.
See Photograph N6452
There was evidence of three separate structures having been on this site. The earliest was that of a small 6'9½" x 6'3 1/8" building with a wall thickness of 18" (c-1). According to the size of foundation wall in comparison with the dimensions of the building, this may have been a brick building. It would not seem logical to have a wall of this thickness for a wooden structure. The probable reason for the thick brick walls were for the purpose of keeping its contents cool in summer and from freezing in winter. When first uncovered this foundation appeared to be that of a chimney, although no indications of ashes were discovered.
4
Brick Size - 8¾" x 4" x 2½" Color - Red Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Poor
Only fragmentary remains of the southwest corner of the second building (c-2) was found. The wall thickness was 8½" but no indications of fill or debris could be found to determine its size or shape. This may have been a second dairy which was built after the earlier brick one was demolished.
Brick Size - 8½" x 4 1/8" x 2½" Color - Red Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Bad
The third structure to be erected on this site was either that of a dairy or cooling house. It may also have been used for an icehouse although it is rather small for that purpose. The foundation was more or less a square brick pit with an inside measurement of 4'6" x 4'9" and extended to a depth of 3'6" below the present grade. This pit or small basement was well built with an 8" wall and brick floor paving covered with a thin layer of shell mortar. The building which was constructed over this pit was evidently of wood with an overall dimension of approximately 6'0" x 6'2".
Practically all of the debris taken from this pit was composed of shell mortar and old bricks, including several pieces of broken 18th century china.
| Brick Size | - 8" x 3¾" x 2 5/8" |
|---|---|
| Color | - Dark red and buff |
| Bond | - English |
| Mortar | - Shell |
| Condition | - Good |
See Photograph N6356
5Thirty-three feet north of the dwelling foundation (A) were the remains of a 22'4¾" x 16' 3¾" kitchen foundation. The average wall thickness was 13½" and appeared to have been well constructed although the bricks were of a soft texture. There was an inside chimney (d-1) on the west end which accommodated a 6'0" fireplace. On the south side, approximately centering on the building was an area of brick paving (d-2) composed mostly of brick bats. This probably indicated where the entrance door was located which was evidently in the center of the building.
An interesting feature was found at the southwest corner of the kitchen. A 4'6" x 3'3" oval shaped area, paved with brick, with a brick gutter drain running to the northwest. This was probably a base for a tub used to catch rain water from the southern slope of the roof which is fairly good Proof that this building had a roof gutter.
A few fragments of broken China and beef bones were found scattered in this area such as are usually found on kitchen sites.
Brick Size - 8 7/8" x 4 1/8" x 2½" Color - Buff and light red (soft) Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Fair
See Photograph N6358
This group of outbuildings consisted of the well, (e-1) dairy (e-2) and smokehouse (e-3). The dairy and smokehouse appear to have been used in connection with the dwelling and kitchen that were 6 on the Mayo lot while the well was used by occupants of both dwellings to the south.
The well (e-1) appears to be very early although the original wellhead foundation had been done away with and a new one of modern construction built in its place. This late wellhead is slightly larger in relation to the size of the well than most of the early ones that have been uncovered. The top courses of the well lining were also of late construction and probably of the same period as that of the wellhead. This well is in fairly good shape and contained water at a depth of twenty feet below the present grade level.
The dairy (e-2) appears to be of an early period and accommodated an 8'1½" x 8'3" building. The floor was composed of a layer of crushed brick, well packed. A shallow brick gutter drain ran from the inside of this foundation for a distance of 17 feet to the west. This was probably to drain off water used for cooling purposes.
Brick Size - 8'½" x 4" x 2½" Color - Red and buff Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Fair
Seven feet north of the dairy is the foundation of an 8'1½" x 8'1¾" smokehouse. Only three courses of the original foundation existed and these had been built upon with later brickwork. There were two courses of late brick resting on the original wall which might indicate that the building was raised to a higher level at one time. This was probably due to the gradual rise in the surrounding grade or possibly the addition of the outside firebox (e-4). This firebox is of late construction with a brick flu running horizontally to the center 7 of the smokehouse.
Brick Size - 8½" x 4¼" x 2½" Color - Light red and buff Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Fair
An original brick walk was located on the south side of the smokehouse where the entrance door was evidently located. This walk connected the outbuildings in this group with the kitchen just west of the smokehouse.
Since the brick tunnel drain (b-3), which runs from the dwelling, was built at a much later period, the existing wellhead and smokehouse firebox may also have been constructed at this same time.
See Photographs N6416 and N6425
Fifty-three feet northeast of the kitchen foundation D was the fragmentary remains of an 8' 1¼" x 8' 1¼" smokehouse. Only part of the north and west wall including the southwest corner were found, although by tracing out the fill of brick fragments and shell mortar, the remainder of the original foundation location could be determined. In the center of this foundation was found a thick layer of wood ashes.
Brick Size - 8½" x 3 7/8" x 2½" Color - Buff and light red Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Poor
Portion of a later building foundation (f-1) was found just northeast of the smokehouse. It was constructed of bats and shell mortar but not enough existed to determine its original size or shape. This 8 may have been the location of a 19th century privy.
See Photograph N6456
Twenty feet northwest of smokehouse (f) was a 27'3" trench (f-2) running east and west. This trench was 3'8" in width and extended to a depth of 1'6" below the present grade. It was filled mostly with black earth which was mixed with a few fragments of 18th century china and broken ale bottles. There was no foundation wall found in connection with this fill and it appeared to have been a place to dispose of rubbish.
This area is located in the northern or rear part of the Christian lot next to the east end of Duke of Gloucester Street which was known as The Exchange during the 18th century. Before archaeological investigations of this area, the only evidence of anything having been on this site is a small building shown on the Frenchman's map, and the research report which speaks of the location of a play house. The research report describing the Capitol Square (Dated October 28, 1940) mentions that on June 6, 1780, John Draper purchased from Samuel Major a 35' x 30' lot "Whereon the old Play House lately stood". It stated that this lot was bound by the Capitol Square, a street and James Moirs which places it practically in this location.
Archaeological investigation of this site brought to light a 38' x 16' rectangular depression which was only 2'6" below grade at the west end and 4'0" in depth at the east end. The bottom of this depression had a gradual slope to the west with a 9" drop, 14 feet from the west end. (See section A-A on archaeological drawing.) Most of the fill 9 which came from this area was composed of clay, mixed with oystershells, brick bats, a few broken ale bottles and some fragments of 18th century china. Just below the floor, two feet from the east end was a 6' x 3' shallow box (g-1) filled with brick bats, meat bones and broken 18th century ale bottles. It was covered with a wood lid similar to those used on coffin boxes and when first discovered it had the appearance of being a grave. The sides of this box were of 4" x 9" timbers which were rotten on the ends.
Just to the west of this box like arrangement was a 2'0" x 6'0" rectangular fill (g-2) composed mostly of wood chips and shavings. The wood chips were at the north end of the depression while the remainder of the fill was mostly black earth.
The purpose of this arrangement was not exactly determined although it has been suggested that it may be the remains of an early tanning vat. This may be the true solution since many wood chips and shavings, which appear to be either oak or chestnut, were found.
Fourteen feet from the west end, where there was a 9" drop in the floor elevation was a small pile of rusty iron slugs (g-3). These may originally have come from a forge or shop.
Fragmentary remains of brick walls were found on the north and west sides of this fill (g-4) (g-5). Also approximately 10 feet from the southeast corner was another section of wall (g-6). These walls appear to be early brickwork although the brick sizes vary slightly.
It is possible that a small theater may have originally existed on this site and was later used for other purposes such as a shop or tannery. The foundation wall to the southeast may be the remains of a later addition which was added to the original building.
10
Brick Sizes - 9" x 4¾" x 2½" - 8½" x 4" x 2½" Color - Lt. red and reddish buff Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Bad
See Photograph N6453
East of foundation A (g-1 on Archaeological Key Map) at a distance of 63 feet, was uncovered the remains of a 66'10½" x 19'11½" building which had the appearance of being used for a shop and later a dwelling. The original or first part of this building was on the west end with dimensions of 19'11½" x 17'3½". It had a basement with the original entrance steps (h-1) on the west side near the N. W. corner. The wall thickness was 13½" with the exception of the east side which had a 8¾" wall. Fragmentary remains of an inside chimney or forge (h-2) was found on the east side and probably bonded with the east foundation wall. On the north side of the chimney foundation was another basement entrance (h-3) which was probably made when the addition was added. There was no indication that any paving had been on the basement floor.
The debris which came from this area was composed mostly of brick bats, shell mortar and a few fragments of iron and broken china. Most of this debris was at the bottom of the fill while the top was mostly black earth mixed with brick bats.
11
Brick Size - 8¾" to 9" x 4" to 4½" x 2½" Color - Red and Buff Bond - English Mortar - Shell Condition - Fair
See Photograph N6428
The addition to the east (marked g-3 on archaeological key Map) was 49'7½" in length and evidently the same width as the building previously mentioned. This section of the building did not have a full basement. The small basement or cellar was in the N. W. corner with entrance steps (h-4) on the north. The only sidewalls (h-5) to this basement were on each side of the steps (h-4) and extended a short distance to the east and west. The remainder of the basement appeared to have been dug under an existing building. It was very shallow near the east and south sides where the grade slowly rose to almost that of the original grade elevation. The foundation walls (h-6) were only slightly below grade level as if for a building without a basement.
The south wall, including the S. E. comer was destroyed when this area was graded in order to widen Francis Street at this point.
There were two 13" x 13" brick piers (h-7) in the west end of the basement, approximately on the east, west centerline. They may have been built there as an underpinning at a later period, although the brickwork appears to be the same period as the steps (h-4).
The remains of a brick wall (h-8) which had fallen into the shallow part of this basement was found in the debris. Some of the bricks were burnt as if this was originally a chimney, while the underside of the wall was plastered, which may indicate that this part of the structure was used as a dwelling. Only the approximate location (h-8) of the original location of this wall could be determined as the earth had been previously disturbed.
12Between the brick piers (h-7) and the basement steps (h-4) was a thin layer of crushed coal. This is probably where coal was stored at one time and used for fuel purposes.
It may be noted that the use of the basement steps was discontinued before the building was done away with as indicated by a 8¾" brick wall (h-10) of a later period built on the lower tread of the steps and in line with the foundation walls on either side of them.
| Brick Size | - 8½" to 9" x 4¼" x 2½" |
|---|---|
| Color | - Light red and buff |
| Bond | - English |
| Mortar | - Shell |
| Condition | - Poor |
See Photographs N6426 and N6427
Twenty-five feet N. W. of foundation H were the remains of what was evidently a 19th century ice house. According to the fill this appeared to have been originally a circular hole 10' in diameter extending to a depth of 12'6" below the present grade. At the bottom was found a lining constructed of logs partly rotted. This lining was only two feet in height although evidence showed that it was higher at one time.
On the west side just below the floor level were the remains of a wooden barrel (See section B-B on archaeological drawing) which was probably used as a sump so that water could be bailed out with a bucket tied to a rope or by other means.
Most of the debris from this fill was composed of black earth mixed with a few fragments of 19th century china, scraps of iron and 13 oyster shells.
No evidence of brickwork or foundation walls was found and if such did exist, it had all been destroyed before this area was investigated.
See Photograph N6455
The remains of an outside kitchen chimney was found 25' north of the ice house site. Its dimensions were 8'6¼" x 4'9½" with a fireplace width of 5'9".
No evidence of the building foundation, nor any indication of fill such as usually determines the original locations of walls, could be found.
This chimney is undoubtedly much earlier than the ice house and probably of the same period as foundation H, previously mentioned.
Only a few fragments were found in this vicinity which were mostly small pieces of 18th century china.
| Brick Size | - 8½" X 4" x 2¾" |
|---|---|
| Color | - Lt. and dark red |
| Bond | - English |
| Mortar | - Shell |
| Condition | - Fair |
See Photograph N6454
December 7, 1942.
JMK
Colonial Williamsburg
Architectural Department