Bacon's Castle

Bacon’s Castle is a 17th-century brick house and historic site in rural Surry County, Virginia. Built for Arthur Allen in 1665, it is known for its Jacobean architecture and its connection to Bacon’s Rebellion. Visitors can take a guided house tour or explore the grounds and reconstructed garden; check Preservation Virginia’s current schedule before setting out, as hours and restoration work can affect what is open.

What to see

The brick house is notable for its cruciform plan, curving gables and distinctive chimney stacks. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources identifies it as Virginia’s oldest documented house and a significant example of high-style 17th-century domestic architecture.

On the grounds, visitors can see a reconstructed 17th-century formal garden, based on archaeological evidence, as well as historic outbuildings. Preservation Virginia describes a guided interior tour and a self-guided cell-phone tour of the exterior grounds; its current notice says restoration work is underway and some furnishings and artifacts may be temporarily off view.

History and significance

Arthur Allen had the house built in 1665. In 1676, during Bacon's Rebellion, followers of Nathaniel Bacon seized and fortified it. The site’s familiar name comes from that episode, but the National Park Service notes that Bacon himself is not known to have lived at or visited the house.

The site’s history also includes the people who lived and labored there across later centuries. Preservation Virginia highlights the experiences of enslaved and free African Americans connected to the property, and identifies an 1830 slave dwelling among its surviving outbuildings.

Plan your visit

Bacon’s Castle is at 465 Bacons Castle Trail, Surry, Virginia 23883. Preservation Virginia lists seasonal interior tours from March through December, with different hours by day and season. Tours are ticketed, and the site lists admission prices and discounts; these details can change, so confirm the current schedule, prices and tour availability directly before visiting.

The grounds also have shaded picnic tables. Children age 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult, according to the site’s visitor information. For accessibility requests, Preservation Virginia asks visitors to contact the site in advance. For tour and access questions, call 757-357-5976 or email baconscastle@preservationvirginia.org.

Nearby

Bacon’s Castle is in Surry County, within reach of other historic sites in the region. Consider pairing a visit with Chippokes Plantation State Park or Smithfield, Virginia. Preservation Virginia also notes a combination ticket with Smith’s Fort; check directly for current ticket terms and availability.

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References

External links

• Bacon’s Castle — Preservation Virginia
• Bacon’s Castle — Virginia Department of Historic Resources
• Surry County: Bacon’s Castle — National Park Service