Private Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Souvenir button
Gratuities
Options
Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour
Reviews
74 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great team and communication
Dreamer36001906408,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely wonderful people running this tour. Unfortunately, I had to cancel due to work, and they were so kind and understanding about the whole situation. They even offered to reschedule the tour for free. I definitely recommend this company based on the great communication alone. Thank you Heather!
Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal. Oh my!!!!
roycG5004QY,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience. The people who run this are very knowledgeable and experienced. They make the tour interesting and interactive. It was very fun and informative. Heather should win an award for outstanding achievement in the field of excellence.
Fun way to learn some niche history
jennarP275YZ,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic tour! With a very small group, It felt very personalized, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and their energy was amazing. They truly brought the character to life and made the experience unforgettable. Definitely will be back for another.
Excellent! Would go time and time again!
ambergW977RA,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was excellent. The guide was amazing! Lee Ann Rose did our tour and could not have done a bette job. She started early and took us through all of the scandals of the times.
Great experience!!!!
Y3675QFfranklinm,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was so much fun. I have not stopped talking about it since. I played into it and took it seriously so it had that added level of interaction that made it so memorable. The actors went with everything on stride and made this a tour to remember!
Historical & humorous
Dream245451,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time on the Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal tour! Fun for all three adults in our party, and it was a perfect mix of history and humor to listen to, all with the tour guide in character.
Well organized, with...
Jan S,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized, with clear communication up front. Passionate, knowledgable, engaged host and guide. Enjoyed every minute of the tour, despite the cold night.
A fun nighttime tour for adults.
Madamhooch,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed this nighttime tour! LeeAnn portrayed Mrs. Goosely who was apparently the town gossip. She knew all the shady goings-on in Williamsburg in the 18th century. These were REAL fact-based stories. I've taken plenty of tours in Williamsburg and heard about things I've never heard before! It was a lot of fun! I would recommend it for adults, though due to adult topics.
Great experience!
Curious92250,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent storytelling combined with good history lessons not found everywhere. This tour is one of the best I’ve taken part in.
A Great tour.
williampD3387JY,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an excellent tour, very interesting and informative. Mr. Michael Pfeifer as Mr. William Lane is quite knowledgeable, we also saw him the night before as John Adams and he was wonderful!
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Operated by Shades of Our Past