Hooper-Lee-Nichols House (1685)
Cambridge Historical Society
159 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Judge Joseph Lee
Judge Joseph Lee, “a good subject to his king”, seems to have been a rarity, a man both loyal and reasonable. In November, 1773, when a large mob attacked the warehouse of his friend Richard Clarke in search of East India tea, Lee went there to support Clarke, and confront the crowd. The following year, perhaps as a result of this loyality, Lee was nominated to the Mandamus Council hand-picked by the royal governor to replace the colony’s elected assembly. But when 3,000 citizens of Cambridge protested his nomination, Lee quietly resigned. “I find...the Council has so universally inflamed the minds of the people… and excited such tumult and disorders...as threatens...catastrophe,” he wrote. “I am... obliged to submit to the rage of the times...”

Hours: Tours are given 2–5 pm on Tuesday and Thursday on the hour. Only group tours require an appointment. Please ring the bell. Tours are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students with a valid student ID. Call 617-547-4252.

Directions: The Hooper-Lee Nichols House is about a 15-minute walk from Harvard Square down Brattle Street. The House will be located on your right at 159 Brattle Street. For bus and driving directions, see the website.