The mid-18th-century T-shaped mansion of Lansdowne, in the center of the Urbanna Historic District, was built as a secondary residence for Ralph Wormeley III of nearby Rosegill. Although not well known, the Middlesex County house ranks with Virginia’s finest examples of Georgian architecture. The front section is the earliest; the large rear wing was added probably within five years. The interior was altered in the early 20th century with the relocation of the stair and other changes, but a large quantity of original paneling survives and is an exceptional demonstration of colonial design and craftsmanship. Preserved in the attic is a rare section of mid-18th-century wood-shingle roofing. In 1791 Lansdowne became the home of Arthur Lee, diplomat and governmental figure. At Lee’s death the next year, Lansdowne was inherited by his brothers Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, signers of the Declaration of Independence.