~Back to Williamsburg today!
First, we toured the Governor's Palace.
Above white painted wrought iron gates are the lion and the unicorn, symbols of British rule.
The entrance hall was decorated with weaponry. Muskets, sabers, and pistols covered the paneled walls.
The parlor also served as a waiting room where most visitors were received; only important visitors went beyond.
The butler's pantry was filled with glassware.
This bedroom was used as a guest room by some of the governors.
Upper-class Virginians would be invited to the ballroom on special occasions. As many as 30 couples would attend a ball held to celebrate a royal birthday or another important event.
A life-sized oil portrait of King George III hangs in the ballroom.
After their introduction to the governor, guests would dance the steps of the minuet.
When dancing was over, guests would adjourn to the supper room beyond the ballroom.
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Crafted wood molding and
carved door pediment |
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Early linen spring shade
on the window |
The chamber organ and bureau organ are examples of period musical instruments.
A Buzalo coal-burning stove was imperative in winter in such large rooms as the ballroom and the supper room.
This is the rear view of the Governor's Palace...
with a close-up view of the royal coat of arms over the rear entrance.
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Rear view from a garden with
sculptured boxwood hedges |
There were guests in the garden.
Next, we visited the wheelwright...
where wheels are made for carriages.
T was so excited to see the horses!
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The stable at the
Governor's Palace |
Our next stop was the Shoemaker's Shop.
(~Looks a bit like a modern day shoe tree -- doesn't it??!)
The shoemaker would work every daylight hour, hand-stitching and forming leather to make custom footwear.
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