Roof section from Wetherburn's Tavern

Date1738-1745

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg, Wetherburn's Tavern

MediumCypress shingles Wrought iron nails

Dimensionsapproximately 64" (L) x 33" (H)

Object numberAF-9.31.6

DescriptionIntact section of 18th- century roof shingle courses removed from under a shed roof addition at Wetherburn’s Tavern.

The shingles give a very good indication of the exact shape and arrangement of shingles first used on Wetherburn's Tavern and other buildings in the Historic Area.

Label TextWhen Henry Wetherburn added a rear shed addition to his tavern around 1758, the new roof enclosed a portion of the circa 1738 roof. It remained hidden and protected until it was uncovered in the 1960s. The cypress shingles with their rounded “butt” ends were common in 18th-century Williamsburg. More than 18 inches long, they were nailed to widely spaced horizontal pieces called laths. The spacing allowed for savings on material and encouraged air flow, which stopped the shingles from curling.

Studying the sizes, materials, manufacture, and placement of these shingles has helped create more accurate and better functioning roofs throughout the Historic Area.
ProvenanceWetherburn's Tavern