By Troy Jefferson
WILLIAMSBURG — The abuse from the British government reached a boiling point for Williamsburg citizens on a recent Sunday afternoon.
In a mock demonstration and public protest, local community leaders staged a trial of Lord North, the British Prime Minister.
The Public Protest is a live fifteen-minute reenactment offered at Colonial Williamsburg daily outside of the Colonial Courthouse on Duke of Gloucester Street.
“Guilty, guilty, guilty,” the crowd, serving as jury, chanted in unison.
Lord North disputed being judged by a crowd of Virginia citizens.
“As a Britain, I wish to be tried by King and country,” Lord North said. “You all (the crowd) are not my peers.”
A chorus of “boo’s” followed and Lord North’s objection was overturned by the judge.
After only five minutes, he was found guilty of high treason by a unanimous verdict and sentenced to a public hanging.
The judge cited the Intolerable Acts, or the set of acts including the Stamp Act in 1765 and Tea Act in 1773, which restricted the freedom of colonists.
Lord North didn’t receive any sympathy from the crowd as he was hung across the street from the courthouse.
Even his wife sided with the crowd.
“There is more honor in being a widow than there is in being your spouse,” Lady North said.
As Lord North took his last breaths, the crowd sang “God Save the King” as a final tribute to the British Prime Minister.
Even though the protest was a reenactment, the spectators took the time to relive history and said they found it informative.
“It was great my kids enjoyed it, I had to make sure to explain to them that when they go to school that this was just fake,” Harold Stills Jr. said. “But we like coming here.”
Stills Jr., from Hanover County, said his family has passes and they come to Colonial Williamsburg frequently.
“My 10 year old loves coming here, he learns more with the living history aspect then simply just reading it.” Stills Jr. said.
Learn more
The Public Protest is just one of several programs and tours offered at Colonial Williamsburg. The Public Protest is held at 10:15 a.m. daily outside of the courthouse. For more information on the other programs and tours, check out www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
