Burgh Westra facts for kids
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Burgh Westra
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Burgh Westra, May 2013
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | E of Gloucester off VA 3, near Gloucester, Virginia |
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| Area | 550 acres (220 ha) |
| Built | 1842 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002107 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 8, 1976 |
Burgh Westra is a historic house located near Gloucester, Gloucester County, Virginia. This beautiful brick home was built between 1842 and 1851. It is designed in the unique Gothic Revival style.
The name "Burgh Westra" comes from a Scottish phrase. It means "Village of the West." This name was chosen because the house is located near the North River.
Contents
What is Burgh Westra Like?
Burgh Westra was originally built on a very large piece of land. It was about 2,400 acres! Today, the property still has many interesting features.
The Main House and Other Buildings
The main house is two and a half stories tall. Besides the main house, you can find several other buildings. These include:
- An original dairy building
- A rebuilt carriage house
- A guest cottage
- A gazebo, built from Dr. Taliaferro's own drawings
There are also north and south gardens. These gardens were designed to match the original house plans. You can also find a kitchen vegetable garden.
Old Foundations and Gardens
Some old foundations are still on the property. These show where the original kitchen, smokehouse, and ice house once stood. There are plans to rebuild these in the future.
In the spring, you can still see native daffodils blooming. These flowers were planted around the entrances to old wooden servant houses. These houses were on either side of the lane.
Orchards and Farmland
Parts of the original fruit and nut orchards are still there. They are located next to the estate. You can also find them near the remains of an old barn. This barn was burned during the Civil War. The property also includes a farm manager's house. There are also working and empty fields along the estate's long lane.
Who Built Burgh Westra?
Burgh Westra was built by Warner Throckmorton Taliaferro. He built it for his son, Dr. Philip Taliaferro. Dr. Philip Taliaferro studied medicine in Scotland, Dublin, and London. He even got his degree from William Wilde, who was the father of the famous writer Oscar Wilde.
Dr. Philip Taliaferro During the Civil War
During the Civil War, Dr. Taliaferro served as an aide. He worked with his half-brother, William B. Taliaferro. William B. Taliaferro was a general in the Confederate army. They served with General Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley.
General William B. Taliaferro led Jackson's division in several battles. These included Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, and Fredericksburg. He also commanded Fort Wagner in South Carolina. This fort is famous from the movie Glory. He also served in other places like James Island, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
When Dr. Taliaferro returned to Burgh Westra during the war, he opened his home. He used it as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Soldiers from both sides were cared for there. Sometimes, Union troops would set up camps on the estate's lawns.
Burials at Ware Episcopal Church
At least two Confederate soldiers died at Burgh Westra. They are buried at the nearby Ware Episcopal Church. During the war, Union troops used this church as a stable. Sometimes, remains of soldiers have been found near the shoreline. This happened as recently as the 1950s.
A Family Home for Centuries
The original family still owns Burgh Westra today. It is believed to be the oldest house in Gloucester County, Virginia that has been owned by the same family continuously. This family has owned land and estates on the North River since the early 1600s.
Burgh Westra was officially recognized as a historic place in 1976. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Gallery
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Burgh Westra about 1870
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Burgh Westra Water side
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Burgh Westra Dairy
