Historic Williamsburg

32. R. Charlton's Coffeehouse

Williamsburg, VA

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R. Charlton's Coffeehouse, which opened in 2009, was the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's first major reconstruction project in 50 years. Eighteenth century building techniques were used in the construction of this one and a half story tall, thirty-five square foot structure, which is covered in cypress weatherboard and topped with white cedar shingles. The coffeehouse was built upon its original foundations, but another historic structure had to be relocated before reconstruction could begin. The Cary Peyton Armistead House, an 1890 Victorian home, stood on top of the original coffeehouse site. The Foundation restored the home and transported it to a more favorable location on Henry Street. Archaeological and architectural evidence was used to accurately represent how Richard Charlton's establishment would have looked two hundred years ago when the younger brother of Williamsburg wigmaker Edward Charlton opened a fashionable coffeehouse near the Capitol during the 1760s. In its heyday, the coffeehouse attracted educated members of the Williamsburg elite, who met there to discuss news, politics and local happenings. Women were not allowed - this coffeehouse was strictly a men-only club. Charlton served coffee, tea and hot chocolate, as well as stronger beverages such as beer and wine. Visitors could also enjoy a gourmet meal with menu choices that ranged from shellfish to peacock. Employees most likely prepared the food and drinks in the cellar and carried them to the customers upstairs. An important historic event took place on the coffeehouse's front porch in 1765. In October of that year an angry mob chased George Mercer, a stamp agent recently sent from England to the colonies, down Duke of Gloucester Street. The mob was protesting England's Stamp Act, which was a tax England forced upon the colonists to cover debts incurred by the Crown during the French and Indian War. George Mercer sought refuge on the porch, and might have been killed if Governor Fauquier had not intervened. Mercer resigned from his position the next day. He returned to England and informed the House of Commons that the crowd could not be controlled without military intervention. His testimony may have influenced Parliament in its decision to revoke the Stamp Act. Colonial Williamsburg interpreters discuss the R. Charlton Coffeehouse's importance in the years before the Revolution and allow guests an opportunity to sample the house's tea, coffee or chocolate beverages.