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Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour

4.987 reviews

  • 1 hour
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +* During this one-hour walking tour, hear the darker side of 18th-Century Williamsburg. Stories of murder, mayhem, and scandal--those things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and the courts--straight from the town's citizens. Each tour will be different, and the stories are a-plenty. Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects and the salty language of the time, this tour is recommended for mature audiences 17 and older. Please note that since every tour is different, the routes advertised may also differ. Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Souvenir button

What's not

  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. This is the location of the Public Gaol (Jail). The story will revolve around the trial of Blackbeard's pirates, or other trials held in the Capitol Building.

    15 min

  2. The discussion point will be about the Col. George Mercer Stamp Act Incident.

    15 min

  3. The story will revolve around the sensational Col. John Chiswell case.

    15 min

  4. The story will revolve around different scandals you may have heard at the tavern.

    15 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

4.9

  • 583
  • 42
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  • 11

Ratings come from 86 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
You can park in the tavern parking lot located at 500 E. Frances Street. Once parked, exit the parking lot and cross Frances Street onto Blair Street. Continue walking straight for about one block until you reach the circle on the west side of the Capitol Building, which will be on your right.
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Shades of Our Past
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

How it compares in Williamsburg

  • Its from-price is 19% below the median of the 90 experiences we list in Williamsburg.
  • It is shorter than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 18 of 90.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a Virginia town of restored colonial streets, a historic college and a nearby settlement of 1607, in the Historic Triangle.

Williamsburg lies between the James and York rivers in eastern Virginia and was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780. The restored historic area stretches along Duke of Gloucester Street from the Capitol to the College of William and Mary, with reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters, taverns and workshops. Bruton Parish Church, from the early 18th century, stands on the same street.

Top-ranked sights in Williamsburg: Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial Williamsburg.

See all 90 experiences in Williamsburg

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