Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg
Important Facts
- Was the center of government, education, and culture in colonial Virginia.
- The town was named after King William 111 of England.
- Was the capital of Virginia.
Slavery of Williamsburg
The conditions of slavery were to work six days a week from sunrise until after sunset. Also, slaves lived in rough cabins, and had diffcult, harsh lives. Slaves had differnet roles. Some were house slaves, others were gardners or coachmen. They sang songs about thier pain and anger, and their hope for freedom.
Trades: The Shoemakers' Shop
There are three levels of craftsmen: Apprentice, Journeymen, and Master. Apprentices' were the one who learned the skillsand crafts. They worked until they were 21 years old. Journeymen were skilled workers but were not masters. They were the ones that taught the apprentice the skills and crafts. Masters were the ones who OWNED the shop. They sometimes competed with others masters and their shops for business. You might find that there are many types of craftsmen in Williamsburg, such as, Blacksmiths, Shoemakers, Millers, and Coopers.
Apprentices
This apprentices is most likely learning from a journeyman or master.
Journeyman
This journeyman is creating something for his master or is creating something for a model for the apprentice to remodel.
Master
This master is most likely watching his journeymen create something to sell in his shop.
Education
This day kids all over the world go to schools no matter what their skin color or gender, back then, only boys went to school. In addition, very few girls go to school. This schools are called dame schools.
Four rules kids had to follow were:
- Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present
- When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the body, not usually Discovered [seen].
- Shew [show] Nothing to your Friend that may affright [frighten] him.
- In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.