Parson Thorne Mansion: A Glimpse into Milford's Past

The Parson Thorne Mansion, also known as Silver Hill, stands as a testament to Milford, Delaware's rich history. Built between 1730 and 1735, this Georgian-style brick mansion has witnessed centuries of change and played a role in the lives of influential figures. The land it occupies was originally part of a 1,750-acre land patent granted in 1680. The first known resident was Joseph Booth, who purchased a portion of the land in 1730. The mansion itself was constructed by John Cullen after he acquired 263 acres in 1746. In the 1780s, Reverend Syndenham Thorne, an Episcopal clergyman instrumental in Milford's development, acquired the property, giving the mansion its name. The mansion's architecture reflects its history, with a two-story, five-bay center hall design. Remodeled in 1879, it features a steeply pitched cross-gable roof with dormers. Inside, visitors can admire period details such as paneled walls, corner cupboards, and original fireplaces. The mansion also includes one-story wings and a two-story rear wing. The Parson Thorne Mansion was home to Governor William Burton (1789–1866) and the boyhood home of John M. Clayton (1796–1856), a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State. Reverend Thorne is buried on the grounds. The Draper family purchased the property in 1916, and in 1961, J. Richard Draper conveyed the building and grounds to the Milford Historical Society. The Milford Historical Society opens the mansion for tours, offering a glimpse into the past. The Stayton House, a structure on the property, represents what a tenant home may have looked like in the past.