Welcome to Rockwood Mansion and Gardens. The original owner of Rockwood Mansion was Joseph B. Shipley.  One of ten children, Shipley was born to a prominent Quaker family of Wilmington, Delaware.  After receiving an education, Shipley pursued a banking career instead of joining his family’s milling business.  Eventually, he became a successful merchant banker in Liverpool, England and the firm of Brown, Shipley & Co. remains a private investment bank in London today.            Construction began on September 11, 1851 and by 1854, the Rural Gothic Revival styled manor, English styled gardens, Carriage House, Gardener’s cottage and Porter’s lodge was completed.