Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 09/17/1974
NRHP Listing Date 11/08/1974
NRHP Reference Number 74002138
The mid-18th century T-shaped mansion of Lansdowne, in the center of the Urbanna Historic District, was built as a secondary residence for Ralph Wormeley III of nearby Rosegill. Although not well known, the Middlesex County house ranks with Virginia’s finest examples of Georgian architecture. The front section is the earliest; the large rear wing was added probably within five years. The interior was altered in the early 20th century with the relocation of the stair and other changes, but a large quantity of original paneling survives and is an exceptional demonstration of colonial design and craftsmanship. Preserved in the attic is a rare section of mid-18th-century wood-shingle roofing. In 1791 Lansdowne became the home of Arthur Lee, diplomat and governmental figure. At Lee’s death the next year, Lansdowne was inherited by his brothers Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: May 4, 2022
