Envision a bustling colonial port suddenly fading into obscurity. This is the story of Historic Londontowne. Today we’re exploring a twenty-three acre park full of history, archeology, and horticulture.
Historic Londontowne and Gardens is on the South River in Edgewater, Maryland. It’s just outside of Annapolis. The London Town Foundation runs this park. It is a non-profit organization.
Londontowne was founded in 1683. It thrived for about 100 years. Then, the town became “lost”. One original building remains. It is a Georgian-style tavern called the William Brown House. It was built around 1760. Later, it became Anne Arundel County’s almshouse. Poor people or people with nowhere else to go lived here.
Nearly 50 years ago, the site became a museum. About 10 acres became woodland and ornamental gardens. Now, you can explore the Visitor Center. See the “Discover London Town” exhibit here. You can tour the William Brown House. Also tour two reconstructed colonial buildings. These are the Lord Mayor’s Tenement and Carpenter Shop. Explore the gardens too.
The gardens have cold-hardy and spring camellias. There are also magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons, and peonies. Don’t forget the Sound and Sensory Garden for children. Throughout the site, enjoy views of the South River.
The William Brown House is a National Historic Landmark. It began as a tavern. From the 1820s through 1965, it was an almshouse. It closed with the passage of the Welfare Act.
Londontowne was a test site for cold-hardy camellias. This happened in the early 1980s. Dr. William Ackerman of the National Arboretum led these experiments. Even in winter, you can see beautiful camellias.
The Mermaid Plate is a special artifact here at Historic Londontowne. It is a hand-painted English delftware plate. It was recovered from the Rumney/West tavern site. It was crafted in London, England around 1720. Around 1725, it was discarded. Find it on display in the Visitor Center. The mermaid is the logo of Londontowne.
During the week, you can only see the William Brown House on a guided tour. On weekends, staff are in the house and historic area. Explore them on your own then. Most visitors spend about 90 minutes to 2 hours here.
Bring your dog. Leashed pets are allowed everywhere except inside the William Brown House. Also, bring food or drink. Picnics are welcome. There are hands-on activities for kids. The Sound and Sensory Garden is great for them.
Most of the site is touch-friendly. The William Brown House is an exception. Borrow free hands-on activity kits from the Visitor Center.
Historic Londontowne and Gardens is a place to absorb scenery, sites, and history. It is a “lost town” that has been slowly recovered. It once had 300-400 residents. There were 40-50 buildings. Londontowne contributed to trade and urban development. It was a primary trading center beside the Chesapeake. There were houses, ferries, storehouses, taverns, warehouses, and workshops.
The reconstructed earthfast buildings are special. These are the Lord Mayor’s Tenement and the Carpenter Shop. They contain traditional tools. Kids can handle them. They can see how they work. They learn what life was like long ago.
Londontowne offers a glimpse into a vanished world. It preserves colonial history and natural beauty. As you leave, consider the echoes of this once-thriving port. What was lost has been found and invites us to learn.