Rockwood Museum and Park, Wilmington

Tucked into the northern hills of Wilmington, the Rockwood Museum and Park offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century estate life through the lens of English country tradition. Constructed between 1851 and 1854 by Joseph Shipley, a merchant banker who spent most of his life in Liverpool, the mansion reflects Rural Gothic Revival architecture and was modeled after his English residence, Wyncote. Shipley brought not only English design sensibilities but also his trusted staff, favorite dog Toby, and horse Branker to what was intended as his retirement estate. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Following Shipley's death, the estate remained in the family and was passed down to his great-nephew Edward Bringhurst Jr. and his wife Anna in 1891. Their daughter Elizabeth “Bessie” Galt-Smith, living abroad in Ireland, contributed many of the decorative touches that now define the mansion’s late Victorian aesthetic. The interior of the museum today reflects the 1890s era, when the Bringhurst family resided there, showcasing original furnishings from Shipley’s time that were preserved through estate auctions.

Rockwood’s final private resident, Mary Bringhurst, lived there until the age of 100, bequeathing the home to her niece, who in turn ensured the estate would be preserved for public enjoyment. In 1973, New Castle County took over the property, and a major restoration followed in 1999. Today, visitors can explore the 72-acre grounds, including the mansion and its conservatory, a gardener’s cottage, Porter's Lodge, and the historic barn and carriage house.

Whether for a guided tour, seasonal events, or a peaceful walk through its gardens and meadows, Rockwood Museum and Park offers a quiet portal into Delaware’s transatlantic heritage-where English elegance and American history blend seamlessly.