Richard of Jamestown : a Story of the Virginia Colony

Through the eyes of a ten‑year‑old orphan named Richard, listeners travel back to 1606 as the Susan Constant makes its perilous crossing to the untamed shores of Virginia. The boy’s quiet narration captures the raw excitement of meeting the legendary Captain John Smith and the bewildering mix of fear and curiosity that greets the new world. As a child thrust among seasoned soldiers and hopeful settlers, he records the simple, often gritty details of daily life—shared meals, cramped cabins, and the relentless labor needed to turn wilderness into a fledgling community.

Beyond the grand ambitions of the London Company, the story focuses on the everyday struggles that shaped the colony: building shelters from raw timber, gathering water from creeks, and learning which berries were safe to eat. Richard’s candid reflections reveal how orphaned children coped with loss, pride, and the demand to earn their keep, offering a uniquely personal glimpse into the human side of history. Listeners will find a blend of adventure and honest hardship that brings the early Virginia settlement to life without romantic embellishment.