Shields Tavern

The term “Groaning Board,” possibly originating in the Middle Ages, described a table so laden with food that it seemed to groan under the weight, or perhaps the guests groaned with delight. In the 18th century, taverns were central hubs for news, information, and travel rest stops, where guests paid a fee set by the Governor for a meal and a place to sleep, typically a crowded spot on the floor. Visitors to Shields Tavern would encounter the cosmopolitan nature of the Atlantic world, with consumables like molasses, sugar, and rum from the West Indies; wines from Portugal, Spain, and France; coffee from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean; tea from Asia; citrus fruits from the Caribbean; and spices globally sourced. Archaeology reveals that Shields served patrons with British, Chinese, and German ceramic wares, and newspapers reported world news. English was predominantly spoken, though with varied accents from Britain, the West Indies, and Africa. Taverns were gathering places for locals and for diverse people, objects, and ideas. Jean Marot, a Frenchman, operated a tavern on this site from 1709 until his death in 1717, after which his widow Anne took over. Their daughter Anne and her husband James Shields managed it from the early 1740s, living there with their children and several enslaved workers. By 1750, Shields Tavern was one of seven licensed taverns in Williamsburg, offering food, drink, lodgings, and entertainment like gambling and billiards. It catered to the lesser gentry and upper middling ranks of Williamsburg society and travelers to the capital. For Groups: Attract your attendees with the historic ambience of Shields Tavern at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. Feast on southern staple foods where nation builders crafted the future of America, or come together with your team inside or outside with our tavern rental services. Your guests can enjoy interactive dining experiences for all types of corporate and celebratory events or they can decompress in the tranquil outside garden during leisurely meeting moments. When it comes to building connections with your group, there’s no better place than this spacious, yet intimate venue.