Cliveden
| Type | Historic house museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 6401 Germantown Avenue |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Germantown |
| Phone | (215) 848-1777 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1767 (house); 1972 (museum) |
| Founder | Benjamin Chew |
| Hours | Fri-Sun 12-4 PM (seasonal) |
Cliveden is a Georgian mansion in Germantown that served as the headquarters for British forces during the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777, one of the major engagements of the American Revolution. Built by Pennsylvania Chief Justice Benjamin Chew in 1767, the house was the scene of intense fighting when American forces under General George Washington attacked British troops garrisoned inside. The bullet-scarred walls still bear witness to the battle. Today, Cliveden is a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.[1]
What makes Cliveden truly special goes well beyond its role in the Revolution. It's one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America and tells the story of multiple generations of the Chew family, including the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked on the property. The site explores American history from multiple perspectives, revealing the full complexity of who called this place home.[2]
History
Benjamin Chew
Benjamin Chew (1722-1810) was Chief Justice of colonial Pennsylvania. A wealthy lawyer and sympathizer with Loyalist causes, though he tried to stay neutral, Chew built Cliveden as his country estate between 1763 and 1767.
He named it after a British estate, showing his tastes leaned toward England.
The Battle of Germantown
October 4, 1777. That's when General George Washington launched a surprise attack on British forces occupying Germantown. The British turned Cliveden into a stronghold:
- British defense: Roughly 120 British soldiers barricaded inside the house
- American assault: Continental troops attacked the stone mansion
- Intense fighting: American forces couldn't dislodge the defenders
- Outcome: The battle ended in American defeat, partly because of the delay at Cliveden
Walk the grounds today and you'll still see the damage from the fighting. Bullet holes pockmark the stone walls. Cannonballs left their marks too. Even the woodwork bears the scars.
The Chew Family
Cliveden stayed in the Chew family for over 200 years. Six generations lived in the house. They accumulated extensive furnishings and collections over time. On the property, enslaved and later free African Americans lived and worked. The site now preserves the history of all who lived there.
National Trust
In 1972, the National Trust for Historic Preservation took over Cliveden. This ensured its preservation and opened it to the public for education and interpretation.
The House
Georgian Architecture
Cliveden ranks among America's finest Georgian mansions:
- Symmetrical facade
- Dressed stone construction
- Palladian design elements
- Original architectural details
Features
The house comes with plenty to see. Battle damage covers much of the exterior. You'll find period furnishings throughout, mostly original Chew family collections. The outbuildings—kitchen, carriage house, barn—still stand. The historic landscape has been preserved as well.
- Battle scars: Visible throughout the exterior
- Period furnishings: Original Chew family collections
- Outbuildings: Kitchen, carriage house, barn
- Gardens: Historic landscape
Collections
The Chew family left behind extensive collections. The house retains original furniture, paintings and portraits, documents and papers, and decorative arts spanning generations.
Interpreting Multiple Histories
Beyond the Founders
Cliveden doesn't just tell one story. It interprets the experiences of everyone who lived and worked at the property. The Chew family as owners. Enslaved African Americans. Free Black workers. Servants and staff. Each perspective matters.
Slavery at Cliveden
The Chew family enslaved African Americans on this property. They lived and worked here. Their stories are now part of Cliveden's interpretation. Research continues to uncover who they were and what their lives were like.
Battle of Germantown Reenactment
Every October, Cliveden hosts the Battle of Germantown Reenactment:
- Hundreds of reenactors
- Period demonstrations
- Educational programs
- One of the largest Revolutionary War reenactments in the region
It's quite a spectacle.
Visiting Cliveden
Hours
- Friday-Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (April-December)
- Closed: Monday-Thursday
- Winter: Limited hours, so check the website
- Current schedule: always verify before you go
Admission
- Adults: Approximately $12 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates available
- Children: Discounted rates available
- National Trust members: Free admission
Tours
Guided tours cover a lot of ground here. You'll learn about the Battle of Germantown itself. The guides tell the story of the Chew family and their world. They also interpret the lives of enslaved and free African Americans at Cliveden. Tours of the house and collections round things out.
Tips
Tours really are your best option for understanding the place. If you can make it in October, the battle reenactment is worth seeing. Consider visiting other nearby Germantown historic sites on the same trip. It's perfect for anyone interested in history.
Getting There
- SEPTA Regional Rail: Chelten Avenue Station (10-minute walk)
- SEPTA Bus: Route 23
- By Car: On Germantown Avenue at Johnson Street
- Parking: On-site parking is available
Nearby Attractions
- Johnson House (2 blocks away)
- Germantown White House (Deshler-Morris House)
- Wyck
- Stenton (1 mile)
- Germantown, Philadelphia
Programs and Events
Battle of Germantown Reenactment
This annual October event brings history to life with hundreds of reenactors, tactical demonstrations, period camps, and educational programs throughout the day.
Educational Programs
- School field trips
- Public tours
- Lectures and discussions
- Community events
See Also
- Battle of Germantown
- American Revolution in Philadelphia
- Germantown, Philadelphia
- Johnson House
- Colonial Philadelphia
References
- ↑ "About Cliveden". Cliveden. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Cliveden". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025