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Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
Photo courtesy of
J. Dennis Robinson.
The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is the former home of New Hampshire's first royal governor, Benning Wentworth. The rambling, forty-room mansion which overlooks Little Harbor, is one of the most outstanding homes remaining of the colonial era. Its statliness and impressive interior and furnishings reflect aristocratic life in Portsmouth in the 1700s. The Wentworth family authorized creation of over 200 townships in NH and VT during the westward movement of colonial New England. Poet Longfellow memorialized the story of the older Benning’s May-December marriage to his 23 year old housekeeper in the poem Lady Wentworth, that appeared in Tales of a Wayside Inn. John Templeman Coolidge, an artist and antiquarian and lover of the sea, bought the mansion in the 20th century. The Wentworth mansion no doubt appealed to all his interests. Coolidge carefully restored the neglected house and grounds with advice from his friend Sumner Appleton, founder of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. Today the house offers historic tours, fascinating walks along the sea, events and classes for children, an art gallery, and an annual Lilac Festival. Descendants of the original lilacs, first brought to the US by the original owner of the house, survive on the grounds today. The 65 acre property is managed by the State of NH. The house and grounds are located on a scenic spot overlloking Little Harbor and the Piscataqua River.
HOURS: Weekends Mid-May to Mid-June, Daily from mid-June to Labor Day.
WEBSITE: http://www.nhstateparks.org/ParksPages/WentworthCoolidge/WentCoolHom.html
ADMISSION: $3.00, children 18 & under free
PHONE: (603) 436-6607
ADDRESS: Little Habor Road Portsmouth, NH 03802
DIRECTIONS: From Portsmouth take Sagamore Ave past the South Cemetery to Little Harbor Road and follow it to the end.
LINKS:
History of the WC Mansion,
Wentworth Dynasty,
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