Delaware’s Brandywine Valley is full of gorgeous estates, but how often do you come across a mansion and garden that’s not connected to the DuPont Family up here? Rockwood Park is one of these rare finds, and it’s so worth a visit to peek at Delaware history like you’ve never seen before.

To see one of Wilmington’s hidden gems, plan a visit to Rockwood Park and tour this historic estate.

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This stunning home was built in the 1850s for a merchant banker named Joseph Shipley, who retired to his home town of Wilmington after spending much of his life in England.

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After Shipley passed away, the estate ended up as the home of his relative, Edward Bringhurst Jr.

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Bringhurst and his family - including three children - lived here for years. Some say you can still hear the children laughing and playing, if you listen closely.

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Today, much of the layout of the house is the same as it was when the Bringhurst family decorated, and the style dates back to the 1890s. Plenty of original furniture from Shipley’s era remains, as well.

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If you’d like to visit the park, you can sign up for a guided house tour and learn all about the home, its residents, and the 72-acre garden estate that has been so carefully managed over the years.

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In fact, Rockwood even has an apothecary garden! They regularly offer guided tours of the park and gardens, too, so you can learn while you wander the grounds.

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Keep an eye on the Rockwood Park event calendar! You’ll often find festivals happening in the shadow of this gorgeous historic home.

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Find the event calendar and all of the information needed to plan your tour when you visit the New Castle County website for the park and estate.

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Be sure to not confuse Rockwood Park with Rockford Park. Both are in Wilmington, and both are worth a visit! The Views From Rockford Park Show Off Delaware Like You’ve Never Seen It Before.

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Address: Rockwood Park & Museum, 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA