Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour *FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY*

Explore 18th-Century Williamsburg’s dark side with tales of murder, mayhem, and scandal. A unique, mature-audience tour through history’s shadows.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • East Nicholson Street - This is the location of the Public Gaol (Jail). The story will revolve around the trial of Blackbeard’s pirates, or other trials held in the Capitol Building.
  • R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse - The discussion point will be about the Col. George Mercer Stamp Act Incident.
  • Chiswell Bucktrout House - The story will revolve around the sensational Col. John Chiswell case.
  • Raleigh Tavern Bakery - The story will revolve around different scandals you may have heard at the tavern.
What's Included
  • Souvenir button
  • All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
  • Admission to Colonial Williamsburg. Single day tickets are $49. 99 for adults; $28.99 for ages 6-12.
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +

During this one-hour walking tour, hear the darker side of 18th-Century Williamsburg. Stories of murder, mayhem, and scandal–those things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and the courts–straight from the town’s citizens. Each tour will be different and the stories are a-plenty.

Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects and the salty language of the time, this tour is recommended for mature audiences 17 and older. Please note, that since every tour is different, the routes advertised may also differ.

Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information.

Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.

Location
Capitol Building
East Duke of Gloucester Street
Please meet your tour guide in the circle on Duke of Gloucester Street, directly in front of the Capitol Building by the gate.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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Hollypb7321do
Sep 14, 2024
Worth It!!! - Great tour. It was super fun and intriguing. Really brought the scandal of the past to life. The owners were so attentive and involved us all. I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzannedg5851fp
Aug 24, 2024
A one-hour stroll back through our history. - Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal was so much fun! Our story teller was so informative and had all the local gossip to share with us from back in the day. Who did what to whom and why. It was such an enjoyable evening. Book it! You won't be sorry.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspiration796797
Jul 31, 2024
The seedy side of Colonial Williamsburg. - This was a very good experience. The tour guide “spilled the tea” on the comings and goings of Colonial Williamsburg. She made the experience interesting and a lot of fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
529demitriab
Jul 27, 2024
Sailor gossip really made the Williamsburg trip so much more fun! - Had a great time. Our guide was fabulous and it really felt like we were talking with someone from the 1700s! He dished out some scalding hot tea. Ha!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C3556cochrisd
Jul 13, 2024
Join for Surprises and Laughs - This was a delightfully engaging tour rife with stories of scandal to include government, high society, and ... pirates! The walking pace is slow, with places to stop, which is quite perfect for anyone to be able to enjoy the excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenna_a
Jul 4, 2024
Amazing experience! - If you are looking for a good tour that isn’t just another ghost tour this is it!! A husband and wife duo who have so much love for history and theater. Definitely a highlight of the trip. Afterwards they step out of character and answer all the history questions about colonial Williamsburg!
Review provided by Viator
N329ixtiml
Jun 25, 2024
Great Williamsburg tour - We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable. It was very interactive. This tour is for a mature audience and not recommended for children.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew_c
May 23, 2024
Fun time! - The lady who gave us our tour was so kind and NEVER broke character. She was considerate and allowed us to sit a few times while she continued on with the stories. She was full of information and kept it very entertaining.
Review provided by Viator
T7264vnjoyh
May 20, 2024
Awesome tour - Had a wonderful time on this tour Our tour guide Lee Ann Rose was fantastic, she was very knowledgeable, fun and engaging. We would recommend this tour to anyone that wants to learn stories from the past they probably didn't know in a beautiful setting. Very impressed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N7497nocb
May 15, 2024
Good mix of history and fun - Beautiful evening in a beautiful setting. Our leader for Murder, Mayhem and scandal was a woman of the time and very knowledgeable. She was able to bring to life actual people who were a part of some trials in life that are not shared in History books!!! Care was given to involve guests in the experience. Wear comfortable shoes and there are areas to sit if need be. Enjoyed it very much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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