English Mud and Stud

Red carpets are unfurling in Jamestown, Virginia today as Queen Elizabeth II of England comes to commemorate the historic colony's anniversary. The pageantry is calling attention to the lives of America's early British settlers, including their architecture.

Archaeologists think that the original James Fort was built using an English technique known as Mud and Stud, which can be traced back to Lincolnshire county along the east coast of England.

Mud and Stud Architecture:

• Frame constructed from upright forked logs with cross beams
• Walls filled with mud and clay
• Roof thatched with leaves or, later, tree bark
• Wooden chimney lined with clay to prevent fires

Queen Elizabeth II, who is the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter of King James I , is expected to tour Jamestown's archaeological sites along with her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Next week, during Jamestown's anniversary weekend festival, President Bush is expected to pay a call. Let's hope there's no slinging of mud and clay.

More About Jamestown, Virginia:

• Jamestown 400th Anniversary Festival, Fri May 11 to Sun May 13, 2007
• Excavation at James Fort
• Interactive Tour of Jamestown Fort (Time Magazine)