Bloomsbury Opens to Public Tours
Historic Bloomsbury is now open for tours of the home and property. The tours will be conducted by the James Madison Museum of Orange County History in partnership with the Helen Marie Taylor Trust.
Bloomsbury, which lies about two miles east of the Town of Orange, is believed to be the oldest surviving home in Orange County. A land grant for the property obtained by Colonel James Taylor II is dated 1722.
According to Executive Director Bethany Sullivan of the James Madison Museum, it is probable that the home itself was built slightly later—between 1729 and 1750—by James Taylor III. The University of Mary Washington’s Center for Historic Preservation has provided information and suggestions to the trust regarding the structure. Additional research will take place during the spring and summer months to more reliably determine the age of the original structure through dendrochronology.
Visitors to the site will have the opportunity to view the home’s unique architectural features, such its extensive decorative woodworking and U-shaped staircase. An addition to the house, built by William Quarles in 1797, includes such features as a winter kitchen and garret.
The eight families known to have lived at Bloomsbury are predominately within the Taylor family but also include the Langham, Quarles and Jerdone families. Research about the enslaved families who also resided at the property is currently being conducted through Right the Record in an effort to gain a fuller understanding of Bloomsbury’s history. The results of this research will be made available over time for visitors, as well as in the museum’s archives.
Those who are interested in booking a tour can contact the museum at (540) 672-1776 or jamesmadisonmuseum@gmail.com. Potential visitors should note that the house does not currently contain modern electric and plumbing, and should plan accordingly. Ticket prices are as follows: $26 for adults; $20 for active military, veterans, first responders and seniors; $12 for youth ages 6 to 17; and free for children younger than 6 years old. All proceeds benefit the James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage.
For more detailed information on the history of Bloomsbury, contact the James Madison Museum using the information above or visit during business hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to pick up a brochure.