Brafferton (building) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brafferton
The Brafferton, seen from Jamestown Road
General information
Town or city	Williamsburg, Virginia
Estimated completion	1723
Owner	College of William and Mary

The Brafferton building was built in 1723. It is located on the campus of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. You can find it southeast of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, facing the President's House.

The Brafferton's Early History

The Brafferton was built in 1723. It was likely constructed by Henry Cary, Jr.. The building was meant to house the College's school for Native American students.

Funding the Indian School

The school was funded by money from an estate. This estate was purchased through the charity of Robert Boyle. He was a famous English scientist. The money came from Brafferton Manor in Yorkshire, England. It was set aside for good causes.

Goals of the School

The main goal was to teach Native American youth English ways. They hoped to prepare them to become Anglican priests. The school also aimed to create interpreters. These interpreters would help Britain expand its colonies. Students were encouraged to adopt English clothes and names. This was a way to change their traditional identities.

Life at the Brafferton

The "Indian Master" lived in the Brafferton with the students. He could also teach white students for a fee. The building had two main floors. The first floor held a classroom and the master's apartment. Native American boys slept on the second floor. They ate their meals with other students in the Great Hall. Later, dormer windows were added to the roof. The boys then moved to the attic. A library took over the second floor. The Boyle money was used to fund the College library instead.

Success and Challenges

The plan to create Native American ministers did not work very well. Only a few, like the Pamunkey, became ministers. However, Virginia was more successful in getting tribes to send their youth to Williamsburg. Several Brafferton students became important figures. They played key roles in wars in North America during the late 1700s.

The American Revolution's Impact

During the American Revolution, money from the Boyle estate stopped. Most teenage students joined the conflict. The last student left in the fall of 1778.

Keeping Their Culture Alive

Even though the English tried to change the Brafferton students, the Indigenous boys kept their culture. An archaeological dig in 2011 showed this. Archaeologists found a broken wine bottle. A Brafferton student had shaped this glass into a Native American tool. This shows they practiced their culture in secret. Eventually, Native American groups sent their children to learn about British culture. This helped them learn how to defend their own traditional ways of life.

After the School Closed

After the Revolution, the Boyle money was put back into the College. But it stopped completely after 1784. This was partly due to a long court case. The College of William & Mary lost the case. The Indian school was then closed. The Boyle money was sent to the Caribbean, and later to Canada.

Later Uses of the Brafferton

The Brafferton was damaged during the American Civil War. The College spent $3,000 to fix it. Over the years, the building was used for many things. It was a home for professors and a dormitory for students. It also served as an armory for soldiers. It even housed the Music Department for a short time.

The Brafferton Today

Since 1985, the Brafferton has been home to the offices of the College president and provost. In 2005, a state historical marker was placed on the grounds. This was requested by the Governor's advisory Council on Indians.

Recent Renovations and Recognition

The building was first fixed up in 1930-31. This was part of the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. It was renovated again from 2010 to 2013. During this time, the College of William & Mary started the Brafferton Legacy Group. This group works with alumni from tribal communities. They also work with the Department of Anthropology and other groups.

The College and Colonial Williamsburg held a ground blessing. This was for the start of archaeological digs at the Indian school. Several Pamunkey tribal members worked on the excavations in 2011-12. The building was rededicated in 2013. The ceremony included remarks in the Cherokee language and honor songs. The President and Provost of William & Mary also gave greetings.