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This tavern is one of America's oldest! It was built as a residence sometime before 1673 for Francis Brinley. In 1673, it was purchased with a quarter acre of land by William Mayes. Mr. Mayes was the father of a pirate who had returned to Newport with great wealth from pirating in the Red Sea. The town welcomed the pirate upon his return, much to the consternation of British Colonial officials. Mayer obtained the first tavern license for the property in 1687. The pirate, who had mellowed somewhat since his adventures, succeeded his father as the innkeeper. He was granted his license in 1702 to sell strong drink. The tavern was next taken over by his sister, Mary Mayes Nichols and her husband, Robert. It remained with the Nichols family for the next 200 years. In 1730 the tavern received its current name. In 1776, Walter Nichols moved his family out of the tavern rather than live with the Hessian soldiers the British had quartered there. After the war, Nichols returned and built an addition to the building. In 1901, the building was sold out of the family and became a boarding house. The Preservation Society acquired the property in the 1950's, and it was restored and opened as a restaurant in 1957. The Tavern is now owned privately and still operates as a tavern and restaurant. I visited this tavern twice for lunch and a brief exploration. I experienced nothing out of the ordinary. There is a photo there that they claim is of their ghost. I thought it looked like a reflection, but I encourage you to visit the tavern, have lunch or dinner (the food is great) and make up your own mind. If you experience something there, let us know!
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