How Yeocomico Church Got Linked to Poisoning

 

Yeocomico Church in Kinsale, VA (Need photos like these? See below!)

Yeocomico Church has been abandoned numerous times—including a dormant stretch of over 30 years between the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

Then, in the chaotic summer of 1814, American fighters found themselves in the crosshairs of history when British forces accused them of what effectively amounted to war crimes.

General John P. Hungerford and 650 American soldiers set up camp at the ruinous church grounds to defend the area against more than 1,200 invading British troops raiding along the Potomac River. The drama spiked when British officers made a scandalous claim: American soldiers had deliberately left poisoned wine at the nearby Thompson House for invading forces to find. Outraged, the British formally accused the Virginia militia of "uncivilized warfare" and demanded an official inquiry. 

In August 1814, Hungerford convened a military court inside Yeocomico Church. The verdict? The accusations were found to be "utterly without foundation"—a ruling the British ultimately accepted.

Rather than being remembered for a dark scandal, Yeocomico Church survived the ordeal and went on to be restored. Today, it stands proudly as the Northern Neck’s oldest church.

If the story commemorated on the historical marker teaches us anything, it is a reminder that facing a scandal doesn't have to ruin your reputation—it may simply mark the beginning of a positive new chapter in your legacy.

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Want to Visit?

If you've never experienced service in a historic church, this may be an opportunity worth considering. Yeocomico Episcopal Church continues to host weekly service on Sundays. Times vary so check the schedule.

For times other than service, you can visit the grounds, but don't expect the church to be open.

The church is located on a back road in a setting that's very fitting for the site. It sits alone across the road from large field.

Notes for media / creators

Although vehicles pass randomly, there are ample amounts of quiet time if you plan to be recording.

There are two convenience stores and a Dollar General within approximately 5 miles if you need bottled water, batteries, gas, or hot deli meals.

If you need WiFi, Central Rappahannock Regional Library's Newton branch is about a 10-minute drive. It's open Monday through Saturday, but be advised that the hours vary from day to day.

Yeocomico Church Address:

1233 Old Yeocomico Road

Kinsale, VA 22488