Before I leave Williamsbug and the 18th-century behind, I must pay a call on the Royal Governor and his family.
The Governor's Palace was built new in 1722 after 16 years! It was renovated in the 1750s.
The first Governor to live here was Alexander Spotswood. When the entrance hall was completed in October of '11, Governor Spotswood had it decorated with a display of bayonet-tipped muskets.
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| Governor's Palace entrance hall with weapons display |
The word "Palace" was first used for the governor's house about 1714.
Lord John Murray, Earl of Dunmore is the current Royal Governor. His wife and children live here too. As you know from speaking with Felicity, the people are not happy with the governor. He was appointed by the King as the King's representative in Virginia. The people are becoming unhappy with the King's strict laws. I think Lord Dunmore will not be governor for long!
The Palace hosts the finest entertainments for the most fashionable people, like the Coles. This is their ballroom.
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| Practicing dance steps in the Governor's Palace ballroom under the eye of King Charles II. |
I'm tired from practicing my dancing! I think I will sit down over here. *
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| Resting after dancing |
*Susanna was given exclusive access to the historic chairs from one of the interpreters on duty in the ballroom, who again, thought Susanna was Felicity.
Off the ballroom is a supper room where one can take refreshments.
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| Governor's Palace ballroom refreshment room |
After relaxing, a servant gives me a tour of the Palace.
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| Governess's bed |
I like this little camp bed and doll. Surely this must be the youngest daughter's bed? (Actually, the youngest daughter is but an infant, but Lady Susan is 7 years old like Felicity's sister Nan.) The servant informs me that this is the bed for the French Governess! That must be Lady Susan's doll.
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| Lady Catherine and Lady Augusta's dressing table |
The eldest daughters, Lady Catherine and Lady Augusta are quite grand at 14 and 13 years of age.
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| Looking in Lady Dunmore's mirror |
When I look out the window I see the sun has come out again, just before sunset.
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| Looking out the window of the Governor's Palace |
The household requires approximately 25 servants and slaves to tend. Some of these servants and slaves live and work in the outbuildings, while some live and work in the main house.
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| Palace back entrance |
Outside on the grounds there is a formal garden (where I went through the maze), a large naturalistic park, stable, carriage house, kitchen, scullery, laundry, and an octagonal bathhouse!
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| Resting on a bench in the gravel walk |
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| Palace grounds |
If you want to peek at the rest of the Palace,
come with me back inside. (Be sure to look at each picture individually and read the captions).
I will leave you here and say "Farewell from Williamsburg!" I'm not done having adventures so look for me again soon in another time.
If you want to know more about Williamsburg in-depth, follow my guardian over to
her nerdy world -she's very boring but you can look at the pictures!
See you soon on my Jamestown advernture!
