Charlton Manor

Date: 1840 [unknown]
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
Surnames/tags: Charlton Moody Wright

Charlton Manor (506 Harrison Street) was built in 1845 by the Reverend George Charlton on one of the earlier 3-1/2 acre lots from the original plat of Ravenscroft Town. This large, two story, five-bay dwelling, which sits much further back from the street than later buildings, is constructed of pressed brick and features Greek-Revival detailing in its wide cornice and entablature, articulated wood lintels, original 6/6 sash windows, half-light wood door surrounded by transom and sidelights, and simple wood porch with squared Doric columns. The property also features servants’ quarters at the rear of the house.

0506 Harrison Street 123-0094-0223

Primary Resource Information

Single Dwelling

2 Stories

Greek Revival ca 1845

Jun. 1974 Survey

Two story brick, pressed brick facade, raised basement, five bays, door center bay. The house appears to be in good condition from the exterior. The house, at least locally, is of historic importance. It has the largest street frontage of any residence on Harrison Street and is the largest and most imposing house in the neighborhood.

Oct. 1975 Survey:

This Greek Revival mansion has suffered few exterior alterations. The front porch and doorway are original, as are all the sashes. At the rear, frame sections have been added, and a screen porch was put on the south side, where it is hidden from the street by trees. Unfortunately, the place has been vacant for a number of years, and the once-magnificent boxwood along the walkway has been all but destroyed. This house has the largest yard of any on Harrison Street, and is set back 200 ft. from the street.

Charleton Manor should most certainly be preserved; hopefully, the owners will either rent it out to responsible tenants, or else will sell it to someone who is willing to restore it.

History - According to Dr. James H. Bailey, Charleton Manor was built by Rev. Geo. Charleton, a Methodist minister. General Stith Bolling lived here for many years in the early part of this century.

Details: Pressed brick common bond facade; 5-course American bond sides. Wood lintels and sills, except for those of the basement, which are masonry. Interior end chimneys. In rear, brick servant’s quarters still stands.

Apr. 2005 Survey

2-story, 5-bay dwelling has a hipped, asphalt shingle roof. There are two, interior end, brick chimneys with corbelled caps, located on opposing sides of house (north and side ends). Double-hung sash windows are 6/6 with white lintels over tops. 1­ story, 1-bay portico is supported by square-post columns and has a square-post balustrade. Both roof and porch have a wide band of simple trim decorating cornice line. Single-leaf door has two full-height glass pane sidelights and a multi-light transom. Structure is supported by raised brick English foundation.

Individual Resource Status - Single Dwelling Contributing

Individual Resource Status - Servant Quarters Contributing

Acknowledgement

• Poplar Lawn Historic District, Petersburg. DHR, Virginia Department of Historic Resources
• National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form