[1] Meanwhile, Warner began his political career as a burgess representing Gloucester County in 1672, during what had been called the "Long Assembly" in which elections were only held to replace deceased members, probably in this instance Warner's neighbor, planter and lawyer Peter Jenings.

[7] In March 1676 the General Assembly called by Governor Sir William Berkeley in 1661 held its last session.

On May 10, as the Nathaniel Bacon crisis was building, Berkeley dissolved the House of Burgesses and called new elections.

Bacon's forces captured Jamestown and burned it on September 19, then crossed the York River and seized Warner Hall.

[3] In late September – early October 1677, after Berkeley had been recalled and sailed for England, Warner was appointed to the Governor's Council.

[3][2] Although looted in Bacon's Rebellion discussed above, Warner Hall survives today and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.

Abingdon Church, the second building built on land Warner donated for spiritual purposes, also remains in use today.