Daddy's Christmas Angel

Monday, August 17, 2015

Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg Celebrates 300 Years

When I looked over the Virginia Gazette Daily News Release this morning, I noticed a link to photos in celebration of the 300th anniversary of Bruton Parish Church. How amazing. In our part of the world, a building with a history of 300 years is quite unusual.

Then I remembered that the iconic Williamsburg landmark which has been photographed and painted thousands of times is part of my "Snapshot in Time" book about the Williamsburg Inn. For these little books, I like to focus on a few side trips that make visits to these old hotels memorable. Bruton Parish Church is one of those focus stories.

Here are two brief segments from my book:




When local residents consider the dramatic stories of Colonial Williamsburg, Bruton Parish Church is one of the buildings that usually comes to mind. In continuous use since 1715, the salmon-colored brick structure is among the most historic buildings that line the streets of Colonial Williamsburg today. The current building is the third of a series of "houses of worship" dating back to 1660. The first structure at Middle Plantation (the name for Williamsburg before it was incorporated in 1669) was most likely built of wood.


Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Richard Henry Lee, George Mason, and Patrick Henry were among the men of the Revolutionary War who attended Bruton Parish Church. During the Battle of Yorktown, the church was used as a hospital or a storehouse, possibly both.  
"Bruton Parish Church" ©Mary Montague Sikes

I enjoy living close to Williamsburg where history thrives in the restoration area. Taking a stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street and heading down side streets never gets old. How fortunate Bruton Parish Church,  Williamsburg icon has survived for 300 years.

5 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'll have to look for it next time I visit Williamsburg.

Michael Di Gesu said...

How amazing! I just LOVE historic buildings! Living in Chicago many building date back to the 1880's, but nothing as old as this church. The great Chicago fire destroyed almost all the city in the 1871. Sad really. Most of the city was built of wood, even the roads. A severe draught added to this situation along with flammable tar roofs.

But thankfully the city rebuilt in a myriad of stunning architecture which can be seen and enjoyed today!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Alex, they have a gift shop that you might like as well.

Michael, I love the Chicago skyline from the air and have a few photos of it. Every time I've been in the downtown, it's been a little windy and cold! Thanks for visiting.

Birgit said...

I love old buildings and learning about the history of them. This looks like a great place to visit

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Birgit. Hope you can get to Williamsburg. There's so much to see and do there!