Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +*
During this one-hour walking tour, hear the darker side of 18th-Century Williamsburg. Stories of murder, mayhem, and scandal--those things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and the courts--straight from the town's citizens. Each tour will be different and the stories are a-plenty.
Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects and the salty language of the time, this tour is recommended for mature audiences 17 and older. Please note, that since every tour is different, the routes advertised may also differ.
Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information.
Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
This is the location of the Public Gaol (Jail). The story will revolve around the trial of Blackbeard's pirates, or other trials held in the Capitol Building.
The discussion point will be about the Col. George Mercer Stamp Act Incident.
Options
Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour
What‘s Included
Souvenir button
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
84 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun, engaging, and educational!
Danna L,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our evening with Mrs. Pelham! Fascinating history shared with us.
How does this have 5 stars??
Evanstektchr,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We left halfway into the tour because it was just odd and uninteresting. The owner’s husband was our guide, and we should have known it wasn’t going to be good when she was following along. In our half hour, we heard nothing even remotely interesting, and certainly does not fit the title or description. We were fooled by the five star ratings. Don’t waste your time or money.
Heather is a great tour guide!
Melissa B,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience with our tour guide Heather was very informative and lots of fun! I would highly recommend taking this tour especially if you want to become aware of the"tea" back in the day😊 Heather does a great job of making you feel like you're walking the streets of Williamsburg in 1776!
Cute tour
Rickey Y,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fun tour. The husband and wife duo are very nice and the story is interesting. You learn about the history and take a quick stroll up the main street
Scalawags and Scandal?? Yes, Please!!
beckyct,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is historical and fun! You will not only hear factually based stories of people and events back 250 years ago, but you will learn what was going on in Williamsburg during that era from the lips of someone who actually was living there at that time….or at least from the lips of a very convincing character actress! She played the part of the hard working jailer’s wife, who not only cared for her own family (challenging teenage daughter included) but also cooked for all the prisoners in the jail! It’s unlikely that any scandals escaped the attention of the jailer and his wife! In addition to learning a lot about the unsavory behavior of scalawags and politicians alike, we came away realizing that human behavior then and now is pretty much the same! Excellent presentation and very informative as well. We enjoyed this!
Scalawags and Scandal?? Yes, Please!!!
Rebecca C,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is historical and fun! You will not only hear factually based stories of people and events back 250 years ago, but you will learn what was going on in Williamsburg during that era from the lips of someone who actually was living there at that time….or at least from the lips of a very convincing character actress! She played the part of the hard working jailer’s wife, who not only cared for her own family (challenging teenage daughter included) but also cooked for all the prisoners in the jail! It’s unlikely that any scandals escaped their attention. In addition to learning a lot about the unsavory behavior of scalawags and politicians alike, we came away realizing that human behavior then and now is pretty much the same! Excellent presentation and very informative as well. We enjoyed this!
Wonderful tour with great information!
ellengH6458BA,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We greatly enjoyed the fun historical approach and the wealth of knowledge beyond the subject matter at hand. The stories were very interesting and painted a great picture of life in 1776.
Excellent
jamessO6868XX,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Good value….the tour guides were awesome!
It was like chatting with a neighbor about all the hot gossip combined with a real history lesson. We had so much fun.
bryangH6148QT,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent journey back in history with a clever twist.
Entertaining Mayhem storytelling!
477lynnee,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 1-hour Historical Character Tour (Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal) was highly entertaining! We enjoyed the historical banter and storytelling based on an interpretation of recorded historical record. Great fun!
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Operated by Shades of Our Past