Architectural Remains, Unit B, Sub-unit 86, Jamestown, James City County, Virginia

Significance: The sites of Structure 21 and the brick-paved path (Structure 20) were both compromised by a later brick drain pipe (Structure 39), however the architectural remains suggest either a well-appointed dwelling or workshop. The brick-paved flooring of Structure 21 is a fragment of the larger building; no exterior walls were located in the archaeological excavation in the 1930s. The west gable end is defined by a hearth and perhaps an adjoining brewer's copper. The hearth and the base of the possible brewer's copper were laid in English bond.

The building could have been 20' wide, based on the pavers, with one heated room and perhaps an unheated chamber. If the architectural fragments found nearby relate to this structure, then it is possible the building was twice as big, almost 40', and contained three rooms. Regardless, the pavers suggest one internal partition, perhaps for a chamber, and another partition at the southwest corner creating a smaller room in the heated work area. This could be for a pantry; a brick pier inside this space could have supported a cask or storage rack.

Complementing the brick paving of the floor is the hardware found on site. Samples included cock's-head hinges, butterfly hinges, strap hinges, lock plates, keys and escutcheons. Roofing tiles were also located here. Pieces of wine bottles, gin bottles, and earthenware along with the hardware suggest a domestic use for the building. If the artifacts came from another site, then the building could have been used for brewing or baking.

Structure 21 was occupied from the 1640s or 1650s through the seventeenth century, based on dates obtained through pipe stems and bowls and later coins recovered on the site.

Ann Talbott patented the parcel in 1655 and the language of the patent introduces the likelihood Structure 21 (and Structure 71) had been constructed by that time.

Survey number: HABS VA-29
Building/structure dates: ca. 1640- ca. 1650 Initial Construction