Bacon’s Castle is the oldest datable brick residence in Virginia, a rare surviving example of Jacobean architecture in America. Built in 1665 by immigrant Arthur Allen, a supporter of the colonial governor and member of the House of Burgesses, Allen was driven from his house in 1676 when Nathaniel Bacon and men staged an uprising in Virginia against the Colonial government. After burning Jamestown to the ground, Bacon’s forces retreated to Gloucester. He sent William Rookings and seventy men to establish a stronghold in Surry County. Rookings took over Arthur Allen’s home and occupied it for four months. The men ate Allen’s cattle and depleted his stock of wine. The Rebellion came to an end when Bacon died of an illness at his headquarters in Gloucester. His men deserted their posts at the house, allowing the family to return. Allen later sued the men who had occupied the house for the damages incurred. The name Bacon’s Castle is not one Allen would have endorsed. However, by the late nineteenth century, the name became popular. Bacon’s Castle was restored and opened to the public in 1983.
Additional Resources:
This Vignette Provided By
This Vignette is drawn from an article by Preservation Virginia.
On January 12 2010 jerome handler said: @ 1:05 pm
This is a trick question. By no stretch of the imagination can Bacon’s Castle be considered a “castle.” It might be of interest to readers that the only other examples of Jacobean houses in English America are located in Barbados: Nicholas Abbey and Drax Hall. The former in particular is far more imposing that Bacon’s Castle
(Quote)
On January 12 2010 Publius said: @ 4:42 pm
I’ve consistently enjoyed the vignettes – but agree that this one is very disappointing. Calling Allen’s home a “castle” without any context or clarification will confuse or mislead some readers. What’s the editing process for the vignettes? This one seems distinctly sub-standard.
(Quote)
On January 12 2010 Hayes said: @ 5:00 pm
Vignettes are designed to be very short; context is provided by the links to additional resources.
[quote comment=\\]I’ve consistently enjoyed the vignettes – but agree that this one is very disappointing. Calling Allen’s home a \castle\ without any context or clarification will confuse or mislead some readers. What’s the editing process for the vignettes? This one seems distinctly sub-standard.[/quote]
(Quote)
On January 12 2010 Publius said: @ 5:52 pm
Your point, Hayes, is self-evident. However, many readers won’t click on links. Seems vignette itself should be clearer, more definitive or self-supporting.
(Quote)
On January 12 2010 jerome Handler said: @ 6:35 pm
[quote comment=""]Your point, Hayes, is self-evident. However, many readers won’t click on links. Seems vignette itself should be clearer, more definitive or self-supporting.[/quote]
In general, I agree with both, in terms of space limitations, on the one hand, and clarity of the vignette, on the other. Perhaps the person who makes up/edits the questions might get some feedback from someone before posting the question as well, as perhaps, editorial feedback. Or, perhaps just drop the question, which is sort of hokey anyway, and merely give a straight descriptive title to the vignette.
(Quote)
On January 13 2010 Publius said: @ 11:02 am
Great points, Hayes. Hope VFH staff reading along.
(Quote)