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JAMES TOWNE In the Words of Contemporaries |
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20. BRICK HOUSES
IN spite of expectations, Jamestown was never large and occupied only a section of the west end of the Island. In the town dwelt the Governor, some of the colonial officials, innkeepers, merchants, and citizens. Most of the residents had gardens, usually enclosed by palings, with vegetables, fruits, and vines.
In 1638—1639 however, the Governor held high hopes for the future of the town. Governor Harvey wrote to the English authorities emphasizing the new construction activity that was afoot.
. . there are twelve houses and stores built in the Towne, one of brick by the Secretayre, the fairest that ever was knowen in this countrye for substance and uniformitye, by whose example others have undertaken to build framed howses to beautifye the place, consonant to his majesties Instruction that wee should not suffer men to build slight cottages as heretofore.
Such hath bene our Indeavour herein that out of our owne purses wee have Largely contributed to the building of a brick church, and both masters of shipps and others of the ablest Planters have liberally by our persuasion underwritten to this work. A Levye likewyse by his majesties commands is raised for the building of a State howse at James Cittie, and shall with all diligence be performed. Wee beseech your Lordship favour to the Information.
There was not one foote of ground for half a mile together by the Rivers syde in James Towne but was taken up and undertaken to be built before your Lordship order arrived commanding that until stores [storehouses] were built all men should be permitted to Land theire goods in such places as should be for theire owne conveniencye.
LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL IN VIRGINIA TO THE ROYAL AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND. JANUARY 18, 1639.
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Last Modified: Thurs, Sep 11 2003 10:00:00 pm PST |