The Ship Tavern was a successful business owned by Judge Bartholomew Gedney’s father. Located on Main Street in 1692, present-day Essex Street, it was in the very center of town, close to the waterfront, and likely the center of community gatherings and gossip. Historians place it “at the head of Central Street,” the perfect place for ship crews landing on South River wharves along present-day Derby Street and Front Street, or for people to gather after a day of trying witches.
Ship Tavern aka Widow Gedney’s, Site of
188-190 Essex Street, Salem, MA, USA
188-190 Essex Street, Salem, MA, USA
More About Ship Tavern aka Widow Gedney’s, Site of
When Gedney Sr. died, the business was co-inherited by his son Bartholomew and his daughter-in-law Susanna Gedney. From that point, it became known as “Widow Gedney’s.” During the witchcraft trials, Widow Gedney’s (as well as Gedney’s Tavern, owned by Mary Gedney) was the source of refreshments for trial participants. The Ship Tavern property included extensive orchards, which ran from behind the tavern north toward Church Street, where they abutted the orchards of Bridget Bishop.
Located “at the head of Central Street,” the Ship Tavern was approximately where the back entrance of the Essex Condominiums are today, at 188-190 Essex Street.
