Lombardy Hall, New Castle County Travel Guide

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Explore the home of Founding Father Gunning Bedford Jr. at Lombardy Hall, a historic house and museum in Wilmington, Delaware.

Lombardy Hall, a historic house and museum in Wilmington, Delaware, was once the home of Gunning Bedford Jr., a Founding Father and signer of the U.S. Constitution. Today, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into 18th-century life and Delaware's rich history.

A brief summary to Lombardy Hall

Lombardy Cemetery, 1611 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 19803, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lombardy Hall.

Check the Lombardy Hall Foundation website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and tour availability.
Consider exploring the Lombardy Cemetery grounds for a peaceful and contemplative experience.
Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby historical sites in the Brandywine Valley.

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Explore Lombardy Hall on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lombardy Hall, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Lombardy Hall is located at 1611 Concord Pike (US Route 202) in Wilmington, Delaware. From I-95, take exit 8B for US-202 North. Continue on Concord Pike for approximately 3 miles. Lombardy Hall shares a driveway with Lombardy Cemetery on the right. Parking is available on-site.
Public Transport

The DART First State bus system serves the Concord Pike corridor. Check the DART website or app for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules. From the Wilmington Transit Center, take a DART bus that travels along Concord Pike. Get off at a stop near Lombardy Cemetery and walk a short distance to Lombardy Hall. A one-way bus fare is $2.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Wilmington. Request a ride to 1611 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A taxi or ride-share from downtown Wilmington to Lombardy Hall typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand.

Discover more about Lombardy Hall

Lombardy Hall, located on Concord Pike in Wilmington, Delaware, is a significant historical landmark with a rich and varied past. Originally part of William Penn's 1682 land grant, the property was later acquired by Gunning Bedford Jr. in 1785. Bedford, a prominent figure in Delaware's history, was a signer of the U.S. Constitution and the state's first Grand Master of the Masons.The house itself, likely built around 1750, is a 2+1⁄2-story stone structure showcasing early American architecture. Bedford expanded the original three-bay house to five bays, adding a ballroom wing where he frequently entertained guests. Inside, visitors can admire original wooden paneling, cornice molding, and a Federal-style fireplace mantel.Over the years, Lombardy Hall has served various purposes. After Bedford's death in 1812, the property remained in his family until 1848. In 1889, part of the land was converted into a cemetery, and for a time, a room in the house served as a morgue. The Granite Masonic Hall Company purchased Lombardy Hall in 1967, recognizing Bedford's contributions to the Masons. The Lombardy Hall Foundation was then established in 1968 to preserve and restore the building as a colonial and Masonic museum.Today, Lombardy Hall stands as a living memorial to Gunning Bedford Jr. The museum displays colonial furnishings, Masonic artifacts, and exhibits that highlight the history of the house and its inhabitants. While visiting, take a stroll through the adjacent Lombardy Cemetery, which adds to the site's serene and reflective atmosphere.