Building Occupied in 1630

A combination of documentary and archeological research was used to verify the authenticity of the discovery.

Archeologists said the building was occupied by Winthrop from July to October 1630. It was the colony's first government building, as well as Winthrop's dwelling and court before he moved to Boston. Winthrop, the first Governor of the colony, served under King Charles I. ''I think it's one of the most important archeological finds in the country right now,'' Mike Roberts, the site's project manager, said today. ''This is the heart of Massachusetts.''

''What we're seeing in Charlestown today is probably the best reflection we'll ever have of the early Puritan settlements in Boston,'' said Steve Pendery, the city's chief archeologist.

According to researchers, the great house was abandoned as the colony's seat of government and was quickly converted to the First Church of Charlestown. A tavernkeeper, Robert Long, bought it in 1635 and converted it into the Three Crane Tavern.

''For about a year, they had a tavern and a church running at the same time in the same building,'' said John Cheney, field supervisor at the site.