Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1427
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
This area consisted of approximately 1/3 of Colonial Lot 44 and was excavated during the month of May 1938. The front or south portion of this lot was investigated in 1933, uncovering the original foundation of Dr. Blair's Brick House and several outbuildings.
Near the northwest corner of the lot were found the fragmentary remains of several periods of brickwork. The earlier foundation walls were probably those of a stable, or large outbuilding. There was no indication from fill or brick fragments to determine the complete dimensions of the building although it appears to have been approximately 30' — 6" x 19' — 60"±. All evidence other than the several sections of walls that more uncovered, had been destroyed — probably by cultivation or during the construction of a later building which stood on this site.
Brick size - | 9 ½" x 4 ½" x 2 ½" |
Color - | Buff and light red |
Bond - | English |
Mortar - | Shell |
Condition - | Poor |
Located approximately along the street lines just to the north and west of the building were uncovered the foundations and fill of what appeared to have been a 13" brick garden wall. This wall may also have served as a retaining wall in the northwest corner of this lot since the 2 head of a ravine was originally located in the vicinity of the intersection of Nicholson and Queen Street. (See note on archaeological drawing Block 18, Area 1.)
Brick size - | 8 ½" x 4" x 2 ½" |
Color - | Light and dark red |
Bond - | English |
Mortar - | Shell |
Condition - | Poor |
See Photograph N5701.
It my be noted that during the reconstruction of Dr. Blair's Brick House, the remains of a 13" brick wall were found between the southwest corner of the Paradise House and southeast corner of Dr. Blair's House. The bricks were very similar in size and color to those found in the wall along the north side of the lot. It appears possible that this may be part of a garden wall that once existed around the north, south and west sides of Colonial Lot 44. (See Foundation F — Archaeological Drawing Block 18, Area F).
James M. Knight
Colonial Williamsburg
Architectural Department
June 8, 1942