In late 1718, a Royal Navy expedition dispatched from Virginia killed Blackbeard, the pirate, off the coast of North Carolina. Also, at that same time, 15 members of his crew were captured and brought to the Public Gaol in Williamsburg. They were tried for piracy at the Capitol by Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood in early 1719. Join in this recreation of the actual trial of Israel Hands, a member of Blackbeard's crew. Hear the evidence and make a judgment! How would you sentence a pirate? Due to the subject matter, this program is not recommended for young children.
Parking near the Historic Area is recommended. If you plan to park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, please check the bus schedule.
Other Experiences
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Music: Governor's Musick in the Geddy House
Join members of the Governor’s Musick in the Geddy House as they illustrate domestic music on period instruments.
CW Admission
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Performance: The Soldier and the Widow
Experience the first conversation between Colonel George Washington and Martha Custis that set them on the path to becoming the iconic couple that history remembers.
Art Museums Admission
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Evening Program: Historical Keyboard Recital
Guest artists from the Historical Keyboard Society of North America offer an elegant evening of 18th-century music performed on historical keyboard instruments.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket