Milford Hundred in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Parson Thorne Mansion

(Silver Hill)

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

1. Parson Thorne Mansion Marker

Inscription. This historic building lies within a 1,750 acre Duke of York land patent called Saw Mill Range granted to Henry Bowman in 1680. The first known resident of this portion of the tract was Joseph Booth, who purchased 510 acres from the Bowman family in 1730. The center brick section of the present structure was built by John Cullen after his purchase of 263 acres in 1746. Reverend Syndenham Thorne, an Episcopal clergyman who was instrumental in Milford’s development, bought the property in the 1780s and is interred on the grounds. John M. Clayton, United States Senator and Secretary of State under President Zachary Taylor, spent a portion of his boyhood here. Members of the Clayton family lie at rest nearby as well. This was also the home of philanthropist Col. Benjamin Potter and Dr. William Burton, Governor of Delaware during the early years of the Civil War. Col. Henry Fiddeman, founder of the First National Bank of Milford, came into ownership of the mansion in 1858 and changed the Colonial Georgian architecture to Gothic Victorian. The Draper family purchased the property in 1916. In 1961, the building and grounds, then known as Silver Hill, were conveyed to the Milford Historical Society by J. Richard Draper. The Parson Thorne Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

Erected 2005 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-92.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, the Former U.S. Presidents: #12 Zachary Taylor, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1680.

Location. 38° 54.815′ N, 75° 26.102′ W. Marker is in Milford, Delaware,

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in Kent County. It is in Milford Hundred. It can be reached from NW Front Street (Delaware Route 14) near Maple Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Located near the north end of Mansion driveway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 NW Front Street, Milford DE 19963, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Milford (within shouting distance of this marker); Mispillion River Greenway Historical Sites (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Temple Lodge No. 9 A.F. & A.M. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Joseph Oliver (approx. ¼ mile away); Christ Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away);

Parson Thorne Mansion and Markers seen from NW Front Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

2. Parson Thorne Mansion and Markers seen from NW Front Street

The Vaules-Grier Home (approx. ¼ mile away); The Towers (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milford.

Regarding Parson Thorne Mansion. National Register of Historic Places:
Thorne, Parson, Mansion (added 1971 - Building - #71000222)
Also known as Silver Hill •
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering •
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown •
Architectural Style: Georgian •
Area of Significance: Architecture •
Period of Significance: 1700-1749 •

Also see . . . Thorne, Parson, Mansion - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

Architecturally, this building is significant as an eighteenth century plantation house. Although the exterior was modernized in 1879, the interior was not altered and remains today as it was built. The corner cupboards, raised panelling, chair rail, fireplaces, stairway, and interior finish are those which were installed by the builder.

(Submitted on April 24, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Wilmington, Delaware.)

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

3. Parson Thorne Mansion Marker

Parson Thorne Mansion curbside Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

4. Parson Thorne Mansion curbside Marker

Parson Thorne Mansion and Marker (L) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

5. Parson Thorne Mansion and Marker (L)

Parson Thorne Mansion Front Door image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

6. Parson Thorne Mansion Front Door

Parson Thorne Mansion " City of Milford Historic Landmark " Medallion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 9, 2010

7. Parson Thorne Mansion " City of Milford Historic Landmark " Medallion

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,706 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 31, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.