Archibald Freeland House

Architect unknown
c. 1770. 1870s, alternations
1015 Bainbridge Street

The imposing two-story red brick mansion crowning a knoll near the intersection of Bainbridge and Eleventh streets is the oldest and largest house in Manchester. It was built in the mid-18th century by John Murchie, an early trustee of the town of Manchester (the jurisdiction later became a city and in 1910 merged with Richmond). The elegant house was purchased in 1805 by Archibald Freeland, a native of Glasgow, Scotland and a prominent tobacco exporter here. In 1819 he described his house as “excelled by none in this neighborhood.”

The two story structure sits upon a raised basement. Although the building has been extensively altered both inside and out, strong distinguishing characteristics remain that attest to its vintage. The exterior walls are laid in a Flemish bond brick pattern and there is a raised, molded brick water table between the basement and first floor levels. The keystones in the window jack arches are made of brick, not covered with plaster as is the usual practice in colonial Virginia buildings.

By the 1870s the house had become the residence of John B. Clark. It may have been Clark who made major alterations to the appearance and layout of the proportionately pleasing house. The original, two-story portico that faced north toward the James River was removed and the orientation of the house shifted 90 degrees to front on Bainbridge Street. A center front door was added on this side that connected with a broad Italianate porch that extends the length of the building. It was also at this time that the four, first floor windows facing Bainbridge were probably enlarged, extending to the porch decking. The entrance hall, main staircase and some rooms were reconfigured as well at this time. At some point the hipped roof was rebuilt at a steeper pitch than the original. The four chimneys, however, remain a distinguishing and original characteristic of this evocative mansion.

Although the building awaits renovation, it sits on a hilltop amid a profusion of English boxwoods, crepe myrtles and overgrown rose gardens and exudes a decidedly picturesque air. Especially since many nearby, long vacant parcels are quickly being developed with mostly architecturally indistinguishable apartment buildings.

E.S.

Photographs by D.OK.