Scrivener (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Block 17)
Site History
The Scrivener Store site is located on Duke of Gloucester Street in the Historic Area of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The property contains a reconstructed building based on archaeological findings. The currently reconstructed building was originally built around 1762 and replaced an earlier structure that had been built around 1717. Joseph Scrivener operated a store in the later building until his death in 1772. Subsequent owners included Dr. John M. Galt and Alexander Dickie Galt. The building survived into the early 20th century, but was destroyed sometime shortly thereafter.
Archaeological Investigations
Archaeological investigations of the property took place in 1939 and 1940. This work uncovered the structural foundations of a 26 by 26 ft. building with one room and a hallway at the front of the building and a dining room and kitchen at the rear. There was no cellar and several brick piers used as support for a cross wall were found on the inside of the foundation.
References
1939-1940 Scrivener Store Architectural Report, Block 17 Building 30 Lot 56. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series 1374. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library, Williamsburg, Virginia.