Hooper-Lee-Nichols House

 

Although the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House dates back to the 17th century, it is probably most famous for its role in the early years of the American Revolution. At that time, the house was owned by Judge Joseph Lee, a Tory, and on Tory Row. Judge Lee is unusual in that her was both important to Loyalist politics before the Revolution and to American politics after the Revolution.

In response to the Boston Tea Party the British Parliament passed a series of new laws known as the Intolerable Acts. These acts punished the city of Boston in several ways, most notably by closing the port of Boston and abolishing elected officials, who were replaced by officials appointed by the King, known as the Mandamus Council.  Three men from Cambridge were appointed to this council, Lieutenant Governor Oliver, Judge Danforth, and Judge Joseph Lee.

At the Mandamus Council’s first meeting it abolished the Great Court, thus making itself the only governing power and making itself wildly unpopular with citizens throughout Massachusetts. On September 2, 1774 thousands of people gathered to protest the Mandamus appointments and the seizure of Provincial powder in Somerville.  These protestors demanded the resignation of Judge Lee and the other appointed councilmen from Cambridge.  Joseph Lee complied with the protesting crowd, as did Judge Danforth.  The crowd then march down Tory Row to Elmwood, which was then the home of Lieutenant Governor Oliver, and demanded his resignation, which was soon obtained. After this significant protest it was clear to Judge Joseph Lee and the other Tories of Cambridge that they were no longer welcomed.  Fearing for their safety, the Tory families of Tory Row including Lee abandoned their homes and found safety in Boston or abroad.

The Hooper-Lee-Nichols house was abandoned throughout The Siege of Boston from 1775-1777. However, Judge Lee returned and was allowed to reclaim his property in 1777. Of the seven families that lived along Tory Row, the Lees were the only ones who were able to reclaim their estate. Although it is hard to be sure about the motives of people in the past, Joseph Lee’s ability to reclaim his estate may have had something to do with his family’s money coming mainly from work done in America as opposed to the Vassall’s whose wealth came from plantations in the Caribbean. It may also have been simply because Judge Lee was known as a respectful and kind man. Regardless of why he was allowed to return, he came back and used his legal knowledge to help the Commonwealth of Massachusetts develop it legal system. He continued to live in the Hooper-Lee-Nichols house until his death in 1802.

Hooper-Lee-Nichols House Today

 

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