Queen Elizabeth II returned to places honoring Virginia’s Colonial roots Friday for the first time in 50 years. The queen toured a replica of the fort colonists built at Jamestown 400 years ago as part of England’s first permanent settlement in North America.
She later examined archaeological excavations of the actual fort and artifacts recovered during the dig, such as chess pieces, iron knives and the claws of crabs settlers had eaten.
She had not seen the original fort site during her last visit because experts believed it was underwater and could not be found, but theremains were located 1996. Visiting the fort’s remnants, the queen said, left her “moved by the poignancy of walking around the archaeological site where the original fort once stood.”
Some of the queen’s time in Jamestown was spent touring the site’s museum, where several artifacts caught her eye. She smiled and raised an eyebrow when she saw a silver spoon that was used to remove earwax, or “ear kippers,” as settlers called the substance.
The queen intently examined a display of recovered medical instruments and seemed amused by a spatula that colonists used to treat constipation. The display’s inscription said that during the 17th century, constipation did “killeth many,” according to London surgeon John Woodall.
“David! Look at this!” she said to Commander David Swain, the Royal Navy physician who travels with her. “You ought to have some things like that.”
Following the tours, the queen and Prince Philip went to nearby Williamsburg for a lunch at the Colonial-era Governor’s Mansion with dignitaries including Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Vice President Dick Cheney and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. After lunch, she concluded her trip to Virginia by meeting with students and alumni from the College of William and Mary.
The royal couple departed Friday evening for Louisville, where they will watch today’s Kentucky Derby before flying to Washington.
“Even in a people who venerate all historical events, the last two days will remain very, very special in the memories of all who were here, forever and for generations to come,” Kaine said. “We are so very proud to be showing off Virginia for Her Majesty.”
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