For my birthday my kids announced that they wanted to kidnap me for the day. Where would I like to go? Now that's my kind of kidnapping! I chose a historic location that had long been on my list of places to visit, the famed home of the prestigious Pages of Virginia, known as
Rosewell which is located near Gloucester Point.
Mann Page I was a third century Virginian who envisioned a home that rivaled that of the majestic Governor's Palace in nearby Williamsburg. Building for such a grand home began in 1725 and was completed in 1738. It was the largest home in Virginia, and the finest in the colonies.
Bordering the property is Carter's Creek, which flows into the nearby York River, which flows into the nearby Chesepeake Bay, which is near the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors arrived by boat and were then taken by carriage to the estate.
The primary building materials were brick, mahogany and marble, much of which was imported from England. At 12,500 sq. ft., Rosewell was double the size of the Governor's Palace.
It is thought that Mann Page I got his design ideas from the more strictly designed London townhouses built to stringent new building codes after the Great Fire of London.
After his first wife's death, Mann Page I married Judith Carter, daughter of the infamous Robert "King" Carter.
Mann Page I, served on the Governor's Council, an appointed position from the Crown.
In 1731 Mann Page I died, leaving his son, Mann Page II, to finish the building of the grand estate.
After his first wife's death, Mann Page II married Ann Corbin Tayloe. After their marriage he began building another mansion in Spotsylvania County, known as Mannsfield.
Mann Page II's plan was to leave Rosewell to his oldest son, John, from his first marriage. His oldest son from his second marriage, Mann III, would inherit Mannsfield.
In
Colonial Williamsburg I have met both John Page and Mann Page III. Mann Page III was a burgess who rode on his horse from Fredericksburg announcing that blood had been shed in Lexington and Concord...a scene that had been part of Colonial Williamsburg's street theater, Revolutionary City.
John Page attended the College of William and Mary where he met fellow classmate Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was a frequent visitor to Rosewell. It is said that on one of his visits, Jefferson wrote a draft of the Declaration of Independence in the Blue Room. John Page fought under George Washington in the American Revolution, rising to the rank of colonel. From 1802-1805 John Page served as governor of Virginia.
These lovely renderings of 18th century Rosewell can be seen in the visitor center...
In those days Virginia's economy was based on mercantilism which depended on the tobacco trade. Tobacco prices dropped in both the 1720's and 1760's which damaged the family fortune, especially after the expense of building the two mansions. Thus Mann Page II sold some of the land to offset the expenses.
In 1838 the Pages sold Rosewell, itself. The new owners removed walnut paneling, marble mantels, and more. Although it was quite a bit stripped down by the early 20th century, it continued to be the center of social life.
Unfortunately a fire ravaged the building in 1916. The ruins, overgrown by vegetation, further crumbled from exposure to the elements. In 1979 the ruins were donated to the Gloucester Historical Society. Preservation efforts began.
Behind the ruins lie the Page Family Cemetery. Although the tombstones have been moved to Abingdon Episcopal Church for preservation, the burials remain.