Public Gaol At Colonial Williamsburg

Thieves, runaway slaves, debtors, and political prisoners once paced the cells of the Public Gaol as they waited to be tried - or hanged. Perhaps its most notorious inmates were several pirates who had served under Blackbeard and were captured with him in 1718.

7 / 10
19
ratings
  • Website

    colonialwilliamsburg.com/locations/public-gaol

  • Type

    History Museum

Address

E Nicholson St Williamsburg , VA 23185 United States

Comments / 7


Matthew Phillips

People say it's great for kids, but that's really only if they know the story of Blackbeard and will make that connection. Otherwise it's not one of the better interpreted sites.

Afton Eisch

Fun fact: Jail is spelt Gaol. Very cool place, walk through it. They will show you two of the original stalls where. Blackbeard 's pirates would have stayed.

Margaret

She must've been having an off day

Kent Alexander

Do the pirates among us ghost walk! It is great

Chris Lowry

Nice jail!

Margaret

She was really off her game

Jamie Brandon Jr

It's not stated on the map, but the Gaol closes at 5pm .

Similar places nearby :

9.1
History Museum
Williamsburg Capitol Building

Start your tour of Williamsburg here. Try to get there before 10:30 when they start the Revolutionary City with re-enactors outside. Gives glimpse of life in Williamsburg during revolutionary era. - Mark B

9.3
History Museum
Governor's Palace

Best site in all of colonial Williamsburg. It’s worth all the hype and wait time. The inside is amazing and the outside is gorgeous. I would suggest that it’s the first stop in colonial Williamsburg. - James C

8.3
History Museum
Courthouse

Knowledgeable staff in wonderful period attire. - Jerry Hufton

8.5
Historic and Protected Site
R. Charlton Coffeehouse

The people who give the tours do a great job and really stay in character. Along with the tour, you get a sample of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. - Tara Morris

7.3
Bakery
Raleigh Tavern Bake Shop

Delicious baked goods and food. Highly recommend the turkey croissant!!!! - Susie Easton

History Museum
Pasteur & Galt Apothecary

Awesome air conditioning if you want to get out of the heat. - Christine Peterson