ROCKWOOD MANSION
610 Shipley Road
Wilmington, DE
302.761.4340
Rockwood Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is an excellent example of Rural Gothic architecture. Built from 1851-1857 for Joseph Shipley, the mansion was situated within 300 acres of woods. Today, the museum is maintained on 72 of the original acres and includes the mansion and porter's lodge, gardener's cottage, barn and other outbuildings.
The Rockwood Mansion was inspired by Wyncote, Shipley's English country house. Shipley, born in Wilmington to a Quaker, merchant family, spent most of his life in Liverpool where he became wealthy. He had George Williams, his architect for Wyncote, design Rockwood Mansion. The homes are strickingly similar in style which was his intent.
Rockwood remained in the Shipley family for several generations, passing to a Shipley's unmarried sisters, the last of which died in 1891. Edward Bringhurst, Jr., a grand nephew, then took up residence in the mansion. Betsy Bringhurst, was the responsible for much of the mansion's decor and furnishings while her parents lived there. Several photos of Betsy, a woman of style, are on display in the mansions bedrooms, still being renovated and as yet unfurnished.
Mary Bringhurst was the last Bringhurst to live in the mansion. She died in 1965 at the ripe old age of 100, leaving the mansion to an unnamed non-profit for the enhancement of present and future generations. The New Castle County received the mansion and acreage in 1973, undertaking its restoration in 1999.
In November, 2000, The Butler's Pantry opened in the West Wing of the manor home. You can purchase coffee, tea, beverages and sandwiches in the Pantry and retire to one of the four furnished Victorian parlor rooms to reflect on what it might have been like to live in such luxury at the end of the 17th century in Wilmington.
The parlor rooms are lavishly furnished with period pieces and fine examples of English, Continental and American decorative arts from the 17th and 19th centuries. The gardens are comprised of sIx acres of exotic folliage and a conservatory filled with examples of Victorian flora. Some of the specimens in the garden are just incredible in terms of size. Pine trees near the mansion must be 200 years old and there are rhododendrons that are as big as small houses.
Special events which include Victorian Christmas tours, concerts, workshops and the Ice Cream Festival held annually in July. Lectures and dramatic performances focus on the daily life of the Shipley family, their relatives the Bringhursts and their Irish servants. Costumed volunteers play the parts of the various members of the household.
Hours of Operation
The Mansion is open 10AM to 3PM Tuesday through Sunday, with tours available on the hour. Tours are $5 for adults, and $2 for children. The Butler's Pantry self-service cafe is open 8am - 3pm, and offers coffee, tea, beverages, sandwiches and sweets. The Park has lighted walking trails, and the park is open 6am - 10pm. The Mansion is closed on major holidays. Rockwood Mansion Park is owned and operated by New Castle County.
Admission
There is an admission charge for tours of the mansion and gardens. School tours and groups by reservation.
Handicap Accessible
Partially accessible to the visitors with disabilities.
Museum Shop
Open during regular museum hours, the shop sells gifts relating to the Victorian era.
Directions
From U.S. Route 202, take Del. Route 141 North (Murphy Rd.) to Shipley Road and turn right (south) to Rockwood. From Interstate 95, exit at Marsh Road. Go south to Washington Street Extension and turn right to Shipley Road.
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