Richard Rennolds: The last private residence

Welcome back to another Tavern History Tuesday! Today, we’re excited to share a special chapter about Richard Rennolds, the last private resident of what we now call the 1710 Tavern. Richard made this historic building his home from 1980 through the late 1990s, dedicating countless hours to its preservation and helping shape the space we know and love today. Richard, a passionate preservationist and Tappahannock native, was well-versed in restoring Virginia landmarks. Before settling in the Tavern, he and his family lived at Bacon's Castle in Surry County, VA, where Richard managed the estate’s operations and administration. When they moved into the Tavern, the family began with only one livable room and gradually expanded as Richard painstakingly restored each section, room by room, maintaining the building’s historical integrity. The home’s interior reflected Richard’s love of history and the family’s ties to the past. They filled it with antique furniture and family heirlooms, from the decor to the unique artwork displayed throughout. Their living room walls, for instance, featured historic portraits of Washington, Robert E. Lee, and “Stonewall” Jackson—mementos from past monument fundraisers in Richmond and Washington. Richard’s sons, Richard and Davis, grew up surrounded by the Tavern’s history and sometimes still share tales of their unique childhood here. On occasion, you may catch them, when they are in town, at the Tavern’s bar — once a cozy family bedroom—bringing these stories to life in real time. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for sharing this beautiful story with us. Not long ago, Richard had the chance to revisit the Tavern, joined by his sons, and witness its fully restored glory. We’re grateful to have captured these moments and celebrate his contributions, keeping history alive within these walls. We hope you enjoyed learning about our beloved Tavern’s past, and next time you visit, we invite you to imagine what it might have been like to call this historically beautiful building home.