Historic Walking Tour of Entire Francis Street In Colonial Williamsburg | See Every Colonial Home

[@garycorfitzson5018]

Fantastic video, man, talk about memories, I will share one of my earliest with you. On my first visit to Colonial Williamsburg in 1985 my beautiful wife at the time and I stayed at the Bucktrout House which as you mention in the video is directly across Francis Street from the back of Kings Arms Tavern. It was cold, and one night we were back inside our room with the fireplace glowing. It was getting late and we were running out of firewood, but we were not ready to close out the day. We had walked the narrow ally next to Kings Arms several times toward Gloucester Street and tonight I remembered the taverns stack of firewood behind the building. I donned a jacket and covertly took liberty of several logs for our room. Here is the thing. If and when I ever encounter Jane Vobe on a visit, I will offer up whatever reparation deemed adequate for the firewood…

[@QuestCapsule]

Hi Gary - This is a great yet sneaky recollection! We’ll let Ms. Vobe know you’ll be dropping in to pay up your credit for goods the next time we’re near Kings Arms. 😉Thanks for sharing!🎩

[@thomasholmes767]

Amazing documentation. Thank you for what you’re doing!

[@QuestCapsule]

You’re very welcome Thomas, thank you!🎩

[@mizzbehavin827]

I get so excited when one of your videos pop up in my feed. Because of your videos, I'm planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg the end of March. I booked the Masonic kitchen for 6 days ! I cannot wait !!

[@QuestCapsule]

That’s exciting! Wishing you a wonderful stay! Love that outdoor oven at the Masonic Kitchen!🎩

[@mizzbehavin827]

@@QuestCapsule I know, right ?? Too bad it's not usable !

[@QuestCapsule]

@@mizzbehavin827 That would be nice! But good excuse to head over to Raleigh Tavern Bakery!😉

[@oldvintageflavor]

I was just at CW. It holds such a special place in my heart. I love your videos, they bring peace to my heart. Thank you so much for doing these.

[@QuestCapsule]

Very Happy to hear this!!🎩Thank you!

[@belovingkindness]

Welcome to my neighborhood! Looks like you did this tour in the winter or maybe early Spring. I live just a block and a half from Francis St. It's late summer now and very lush and green. Worthy of another walking tour should you visit again. I love it here!

[@QuestCapsule]

A great neighborhood no doubt! Yes it was the first day of Spring on the tour. We were just there again and did get to see it at the heart of Summer too! Beautiful!🎩

[@judithcooper90]

I visit CW every chance I get. Love strolling the streets. Thanks for the info.

[@QuestCapsule]

You’re welcome Judith! Thank you for commenting!🎩

[@bernideencanfield6548]

I sure enjoyed this. I was born in Hampton, graduated York High School 1966 and visited Williamsburg many times as a child, teen but have haven't seen it since the 70's so I enjoyed!

[@lisanewman3543]

So many great memories of 30+ years ago walking along Francis Street, sharing a meal at Shields Tavern, and enjoying the Colonial area as residents of Williamsburg. Thank you so much for taking us along on your walk and sharing the information of each structure! Well done, sir!

[@QuestCapsule]

Those memories are treasure! Thank you for sharing & your kind comment!🎩

[@jshonert]

I feel like I know you and Sara - - you were both so personable on all your films. I’m loving seeing your work and reconnecting with my old stomping grounds. Thank you so much.! Jeffrey Hancock Shonert class of 1972 William And Mary ❤

[@QuestCapsule]

Thank you Jeffrey! We always enjoy hearing from you and so glad you enjoy watching!🎩

[@robinrhea6125]

Wonderful, as always! Thanks so much for making this video!

[@QuestCapsule]

You’re very welcome & thank you!🎩

[@evolutionaryed]

Nice job! The Lightfoot House has been where many famous people have stayed. When I was at W&M in the 70s the Shah of Iran stayed there. Just spent a month in Wmsbg. from mid May to mid June to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my tennis teaching career which started on the courts at the Inn in 1974. It was a wonderful time.

[@QuestCapsule]

That is so interesting! Thank you for sharing this and congrats on 50 years of coaching! Well done!🎩

[@coalminersdaughter]

I appreciate your video so much. Just discovered your channel this week. I live in VA (the great SW part) but have never had the opportunity to visit Colonial Williamsburg. It’s always been on my bucket list. My health is not well enough to travel that far or walk those streets so your in depth tour has blessed my heart! It’s the next best thing to being there. I enjoy how much knowledge you throw in there. I like detail. Thank you!

[@QuestCapsule]

@@coalminersdaughter I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and came along with me to explore. Thank you much for this kind comment!🎩

[@carolinebrown8965]

Great video - thanks !!

[@QuestCapsule]

Thank you Caroline!🎩

[@1CathyHendrix]

Once again, excellence in both narration and videography from this channel. Really enjoyed it. Hope both you and Sarah are doing well. Have a great week ahead and God bless!

[@QuestCapsule]

Thanks you Cathy!! Sarah says hello! Have a great week ahead!🎩

[@wsrutledge]

I grew up a few blocks from Colonial Williamsburg. Thanks for taking me back home.

[@ckiely27]

Excellent! Your videos make the next 3 years more and more full of anticipation for when we move down to C.W. KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS!

[@QuestCapsule]

Thank you!! Exciting future move!🎩

[@CD318]

Love your vids!

[@QuestCapsule]

@@CD318 Thanks so much!🎩

[@kevindomanski7733]

Great video !

[@QuestCapsule]

@@kevindomanski7733 Thank you Kevin!🎩

[@vanessacole7882]

Thank you for the walk down Francis Street. I am a historian and wanted to share someting that many are not aware of. You mentioned falling into the thoughts of the 18th century and think about all the life that took place there. It's important to remember when visiting Colonial Williamsburg that in 1775 over half of the population was enslaved. The college, homes, taverns, and other buildings in Williamsburg were all constructed by those forced to do so. Those bricks were molded, fired, and laid by the enslaved. This includes the bricks for the capitol building, the building where the men of Virginia talked of independence and freedom. However, that freedom was not meant for the men, women, and children held in bondage by those very men. The enslaved labored and lived in those outbuildings: the stables, kitchens, laundries, etc. Imagine sleeping on the 2nd floor of a kitchen building. Kitchen fires basically burned 24/7. Although it may be warm in the winter months, can you imagine the heat in the hot humid Virginia summers? They had to sleep outside...with the mosquitoes. Unfortunatley, like most historic sites, Colonial Williamsburg does not give us an accurate picture of what life was really like for most of the population.

[@cf8959]

Thank-you for mentioning that aspect of Colonial life. It occurred to me as well that those were some of the servant's/slave quarters.

[@readermom1000]

In my many visits to Colonial Williamsburg, I have been favorably impressed by the clear representation of the lives of the enslaved population. The historic interpreters who portray enslaved individuals do an outstanding job. There is a great deal of programming available for those who wish to learn more about the enslaved population. I feel that it does Colonial Williamsburg an injustice to say that they do not give an accurate portrayal.

[@katyshepard6402]

@@readermom1000THANK YOU for being Brave Enough to Show and Tell how Well The CW includes those who were enslaved. They even mention the Irish and Scottish Endured Servants (AKA Slaves) that also built The CW! So No One was immune towards slavery conduct and service during the Colonial Times!

[@katyshepard6402]

Disagree! They do a WONDERFUL JOB! They Even Include the MANY NUMEROUS Irish and Scottish Indentured Servants that also Helped build the CW as well as ALL the other Colonies in OUR Country! No One was immune to servitude for the New World By ANY MEANS POSSIBLE! Listen and Learn before you make such a statement. Your statement has errors in its logic and historical facts. Just saying. Not mad. Just helping educate to END ALL THIS HATE! There were MANY enslaved and they were NOT ALL OF Color. There would have been NO America without the sacrifices of these past hero’s of ALL Colors and Races and Genders and Cultures!

[@BallaBimba]

Well, afterwards the slaves were "free" to wither away in the factories of the north, toiling and sweating for up to 14 hours under conditions every do-gooder nowadays would shrink away in horror and could be fired at moment`s notice; not to speak of their abominable living conditions in the dungeons of those cities. Reminds me Cuba, where under Batista the prosstitutes had well-off customers and could make a decent living; now, in socialist Cuba, they have to sell themselves for a few bucks to dreary backpackers....

[@daveo2821]

Another great video! I hope you and Mrs. Quest Capsule are doing well!

[@QuestCapsule]

Thank you Dave!! 🎩

[@omaeve]

Thank you I’m too old to take the walk now, but had family in Williamsburg and I used to go to colonial Williamsburg every time we went to visit my cousin and I walked up and down and everywhere we could go sometimes we had money for tickets and sometimes we didn’t but it’s a wonderful place to visit. Maybe you could come back around December 7 when all the natural Christmas decorations are done for another walking tour.

[@QuestCapsule]

You’re very welcome and so glad you could come along with me virtually. On the channel we also a few years back did a walk along Duke of Gloucester to see all the wonderful Wreaths at Christmas. You may enjoy this one too.💙🎩

[@Historiccolonialmedicine]

Excellent video as usual. I am so wrapped up on DOG Street that I forget about the length of Francis Street. The next time I am in CW, I will need to walk the length of Francis street.

[@QuestCapsule]

Thank you Michael! It's a great walk, hope you can enjoy it soon!🎩

[@barbaradzitko1826]

I always enjoy going back to CW with you. Great video.

[@QuestCapsule]

Glad you enjoyed it Barbara! Thank you!🎩

[@lindarevere5846]

THANKYOU==YOU ALWAYS THINK U WILLCOME BACK AND THIS HELPS AS I LIVE MANY MILES AWAY AND CAN NO LONGER WALK

[@QuestCapsule]

Linda, so glad you enjoyed the video and this allowed you to visit Williamsburg right along with me. Many blessing to you!🎩

[@earlyhead]

Great as always! We have stayed in the Chiswell-Bucktrout house and also the Chiswell-Bucktrout kitchen. Recommend them both. Will be there in November for the brick firing and staying in the Market Square Tavern....maybe we'll see you there??

[@QuestCapsule]

Thank you! I’m sure both Chiswell-Bucktrout locations were an excellent experience. Hope your November visit goes great and we could very well see you there!🎩

[@mrs.g.9816]

I've never been to Williamsburg, but my brother, who loves to travel, has. So I'm getting to see a little of what he saw. You picked a beautiful afternoon to show us Francis Street! BTW, I wonder if the glass in the panes of the original houses is original. It's easy to tell if the glass is old - It has "wiggles" in it, since glass is an amorphous solid - with time, it "melts". I know, because as a kid, I used to live in a very old house in Ossining, NY, now an historic landmark. The glass in the windows was "wiggly". Just a thought I had.

[@QuestCapsule]

Im glad you got a glimpse of what your brother saw! Very interesting details you shared about the window glass. Im sure some of the ones i passed by were partly original. I do know the Geddy House on DoG Street has a fair amount of original window glass. Thanks for sharing these interesting details!🎩

[@valerielewis7870]

I had in my mind the type of house that I want and right then you came across the Lewis house. That's the exact house that I was thinking about! I wonder if that Lewis is my ancestor.

[@bonniegeyer1473]

Love your videos. Lived in James City County for 20 years. About to move back soon. Owned a tour business there and worked for CW for a short time. I’m no expert but remember learning about the flag flying on the Capitol and how it is NOT the Union Jack. Just double checked online so I wouldn’t give you incorrect info. Here’s what I found- After passing a resolution calling for their delegates to the Continental Congress to propose independence, the revolutionaries took down the Union Jack and displayed “The Union Flag of the American states” from atop the Capitol. Enjoy your day.

[@QuestCapsule]

Thanks Bonnie! Glad you enjoy the videos! In regards to the flag, yes the history there you mention is correct, they did replace it with the Union Flag it looks like on May 16, 1776, but I do believe, the Continental Union Flag you mention incorporates 13 alternating red and white stripes with the British Union flag in the top corner....and the one atop the Capitol on the day of my walk appears to be the full-on Union Jack? Either way, a great point and would be interested to hear what others say? I definitely could have it wrong! I know they do plant the Continental Union Flag outside historic locations around the city that are open for ticket holders. But the one atop the Capitol on the day of my visit seems to appear to be the actual Union Jack? 🇬🇧

[@bonniegeyer1473]

@@QuestCapsule I’m sure you are probably more correct than I. I’m not certain what each flag looks like and how they differ. I just remember what I was taught in CW classes when I worked there back in 2002. They change things there all the time so perhaps they have now changed over to displaying the Union Jack. I’m curious now, too, to know how CW is interpreting the flag and what year they are now interpreting the historic area from. They change their interpretation dates and house colors by the day!😂 Continued success. I enjoy your videos.

[@QuestCapsule]

Haha, yes! Right again! Things do change frequently in CW. Im curious now too.🧐Maybe someone will chime for further detail but what you were taught is absolutely correct!

[@MarkRobinson-o3c]

An old store question in the west, they say dry good store why wouldn’t you have it anymore and when I was a little boy and get some good stuff from Woolworths see that anymore I think our country is going to hell I hate Walmart. I miss Sears and roebuck and all the other stores went out of business. I hate the Internet I only use it for what I’m doing now entertainment and thank you for putting this on. I love stuff.

[@QuestCapsule]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for your comment!🎩

[@cf8959]

Does anyone know what exactly the purpose of the outbuilding's vents up by the roofs?

[@QuestCapsule]

After further research, I believe they may have been dairy outbuildings. I imagine they would keep them clean and cool with good ventilation, the potential purpose of the ventilation. Thanks for watching!🎩

[@kathykaczmarek5868]

Exactly what does the statement: ‘ coming up on the backside of the magazine‘ mean?? What is a ‘magazine’ in a community??

[@QuestCapsule]

@@kathykaczmarek5868 Hello Kathy! The Magazine was the place they kept the arms and ammunition used for defending the colony. I was entering its location from the rear side of it. Thanks for your question!🎩

[@MarkRobinson-o3c]

I wanna go over there I’m thinking moving. I want to go somewhere more place I can have a horse instead of a car

[@QuestCapsule]

Thanks for your comment & for watching!🎩

[@freddobbs4437]

Wished America had stayed the 13 colonies with adding Florida to Texas. Maybe it wouldn't be the horrible mess it is today!!