Hugh Norvell

Who was Hugh Norvell?

Hugh Norvell, called "Captain Hugh Norvell" because of his service in the Colonial War, served as a vestryman at Bruton Church in 1694, 1697, 1704, and 1710–1715.

Norvell was on the Vestry of Bruton Parish Church from 1694 to 1710. While serving in that capacity, he was one of a committee designated by the Vestry to welcome the Rev. Dr. James Blair, President of the College of William and Mary. On December 5, 1710, the Vestry voted to call Blair as their Rector. Hugh Norvell was chairman of this committee. The Rev. Dr. Blair accepted the Vestry's invitation. Norvell was also a member of the committee appointedto oversee the building of the new church. The General Assembly of Virginia on June 7 1699, passed an Act Directing the Building of the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg. One of the clauses of this Act appointed Lewis Burwell, Phil Ludwell, Junr., Benjamin Harrison, Junr., James Waley, Hugh Norwell [Norvell], and Mongo Ingles, Gentleman—Feofees or Trustees for land appropriated to the uses of the City. These gentlemen sold the half-acre lots into which the city had been laid out. Hugh Norwell [Norvell] was still a Feofee or Trustee in 1705 when the Act Directing the Building of the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg with additions was passed.