Rosewell Ruins

HISTORIC ROSEWELL ... where the past is a presence. The ruins of one of the finest mansions built in the colonies sit on the banks of the York River in Gloucester County, Virginia. Here, you may see the brickwork and grace of form and scale which have inspired poets and architects since Thomas Jefferson. Begun in 1725, Rosewell was home to the Page family for more than 100 years. John Page, grandson of the builder, attended William and Mary with Jefferson; and it was here that the two young patriots first began to explore what lay ahead for the emerging nation in which they would play such an important role.

Though slightly changed by a later owner and ravaged by time and economic hardships, Rosewell was still regarded as a place of grandeur and importance. Through the lean years following the War Between The States, parties and dances continued in the Great Hall. Finally, in 1916, a tragic fire swept the mansion leaving a magnificent shell which is testament to 18th century craftsmanship and dreams.

What remains are the four chimneys, the east wall with its regal compasshead window complete with carved keystone, the wine cellar, and enough of the walls that one may sense the proportion and scale of this unique structure. The fourth and last family to own Rosewell donated the ruins site to the Gloucester Historical Society in 1979. Since 1995, the Rosewell Foundation has taken on the mission of preserving, studying, and presenting this historic ruin.


Latest News


Blueprint Bulletin #6: Still Digging Up the Past

Explore "Secret Gardens" on May 10 Tour

Blueprint Bulletin #5: Dig Reveals Cellar Foundations, Glimpses of 1916

Blueprint Bulletin #4: Preservation "Dream Team" Embarks on Rosewell Study

Local Teachers Learn to "Ruin" Their Curriculum

Blueprint Bulletin #3: Documenting the Vaulted Cellar

Blueprint Bulletin #2: Special Technique Creates New Views of Rosewell

Rosewell Gift Shop Features Books and More

Blueprint Bulletin #1: Experts Call for New Preservation Approach

 

 

 

The Rosewell
Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 1456
Gloucester, VA 23061
(804) 693-2585
email

[ Home ] [ History ] [ Timeline ] [ Contact Us ] [ Newsletter ] [ Events ] [ Links ]

© 2004 The Rosewell Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.