Martha W McCartney

The Henrico Parish Glebe, Varina, Virginia Martha W McCartney

This book introduces the reader to the historical and archaeological evidence of a significant Colonial Period habitation on the James River believed to have been seriously impacted by 17th and 18th century floods and hurricanes. The interpretation of the Henrico Glebe Site, located within Henrico Parish Glebe lands at Varina, opens the door to a discussion of the role of the Church of England in the Virginia Colony and the types of housing parish leaders were obliged to provide to the clergy. Interpreted to include evidence of two building periods dating from as early as 1680 through the mid-18th century, the glebe served as the home of Rev. James Blair, the first recognized head, or Commissary, of the Church of England in Virginia, and the first president of the College of William and Mary. In the mid-18th century the glebe was occupied by the Rev. William Stith, who also served as one of the College's presidents. A rigorous discussion of Virginia legislation and parish records from glebes of the period describes the types of buildings and glebe land that the law required a parish vestry to provide to its clergy. This discussion, which includes the physical description of the diverse residences and service buildings, provided a context for the interpretation of architectural remains identified at the site. While focusing on developing a history of the glebe of the Henrico Parish, which included the Richmond area by 1741, the town of Varina, east of the study area, is introduced. That community, though short-lived, served as Henrico County's seat and was an important early inland port.