Etched window pane

DateMid-18th century

MediumGlass

Dimensionsapproximately 13" x 11"

Credit LineColonial Williamsburg Foundation

Object numberAF-1.22.12

DescriptionThis window pane from Bassett Hall is believed to date from the mid-18th century. The names Mary E. Coke and Clarissa W. Henley are etched on it many times.

Mary was the daughter of John Coke who owned Bassett Hall from 1843 to 1845. Clarissa was the daughter of Leonard and Harriett Coke Henley who owned a house on Duke of Gloucester Street (today referred to as the Charlton House) from 1819 -1880. Mary’s father and Clarissa’s mother were brother and sister. The cousins most likely etched their names in the pane during the time the Cokes lived at Bassett Hall when Mary would have been about 15 and Clarissa about 19.

July 8, 1890 is also etched on it by an unknown person.
Label TextThis windowpane dates to circa 1753. The two names etched in the pane are cousins Mary E. Coke and Clarissa W. Henley. Mary was the daughter of John Coke who owned Bassett Hall from 1843 to 1845.
We believe that the cousins etched their names in the pane during the time the Cokes lived at Bassett Hall. Mary would have been about 15 and Clarissa about 19.
InscribedMary E. Coke

Clarissa W. Henley

July 8, 1890
ProvenanceBassett Hall