Today, we visited Colonial Williamsburg for the opening of the Armoury Complex opening, part I.
This is where the old blacksmith shop used to stand, then was relocated so the old, dilapidated building could be torn down to build another.
Building more than a blacksmith shop, an entire complex of six buildings is part of the project.
This parallel’s James Anderson’s 1778-1780 expansion of his blacksmith to an armoury complex, after the Commonwealth of Virginia appointed Anderson public armourer to supply the war effort in the American Revolution.
We’ve watched parts of this being built at the various trades over the last several months: a walking window and a gent at a window with no walls.
Only open for about an hour and a half, the blacksmiths have moved in and are busy on their first day of the sparkling clean building.
Next to the rebuilt blacksmith shop is the kitchen.
On this first day cooking in the Armoury Complex, the cook spent the morning inside…
…then spent the afternoon cooking outside in his new beehive oven.
SPRING BLOSSOMS MARCH THROUGH COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
After exploring the new armoury, we explored the gardens which bloomed early this year.
A year ago today, it was cold with a snow in the air.
COLONIAL NURSERY
PLAYBOOTH THEATER
Then we enjoyed a bit of entertainment with the Colonial Williamsburg Playbooth Theater.
These actors are portraying a traveling troupe, performing a program titled: Fops, Rogues and Villains.
First a skit involving a rogue was portrayed, which needed moral lessons.
Then a villain was portrayed, one from Othello named Iago!
Since we recently studied Othello, my kids knew all about him.
They were quite pleased that they got to see a Shakespearean performance at Colonial Williamsburg!
Finally, a fop (who excessively focuses on his appearance) appeared on stage.
Bragging about how he stylish he looked, he regaled us with all the amazing things he saw on his fantastic journey traveling the continent of Europe.
As the audience laughed everyone pulled out their cameras, this was so hilarious.
STREET THEATER
Then we enjoyed the street theater program where all the amazing historical clothing walk the streets on this lovely spring day.
All the well-dressed people in one shot!
My son wants his next shirt to have massive ruffles like this gent’s.
Styles I’d love to sew…
