Cliveden

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Cliveden




TypeHistoric house museum
Address6401 Germantown Avenue
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodGermantown
Phone(215) 848-1777
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1767 (house); 1972 (museum)
FounderBenjamin Chew
HoursFri-Sun 12-4 PM (seasonal)
Cliveden(215) 848-17776401 Germantown AvenuePhiladelphiaPAUS

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 fierce 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]

Cliveden is significant not only for its Revolutionary War history but also as one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America and as a window into the lives 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.[2]

History

Benjamin Chew

Benjamin Chew (1722-1810) was Chief Justice of colonial Pennsylvania. A wealthy lawyer and Loyalist sympathizer (though he attempted neutrality), Chew built Cliveden as his country estate between 1763 and 1767.

The name "Cliveden" came from a British estate, reflecting Chew's Anglophile tastes.

The Battle of Germantown

On October 4, 1777, General George Washington launched a surprise attack on British forces occupying Germantown. The British used Cliveden as a stronghold:

  • British defense: Approximately 120 British soldiers fortified inside the house
  • American assault: Continental troops attacked the stone mansion
  • Fierce fighting: American forces failed to dislodge the defenders
  • Outcome: The battle ended in American defeat, partly due to the delay at Cliveden

The battle damage is still visible:

  • Bullet holes in the stone walls
  • Cannon ball damage
  • Scarred woodwork

The Chew Family

The Chew family owned Cliveden for over 200 years:

  • Six generations lived in the house
  • The family acquired extensive furnishings and collections
  • Enslaved and later free African Americans lived and worked on the property
  • The site preserves the history of all who lived there

National Trust

In 1972, Cliveden became a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring its preservation and interpretation for the public.

The House

Georgian Architecture

Cliveden is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America:

  • Symmetrical facade
  • Dressed stone construction
  • Palladian design elements
  • Original architectural details

Features

  • Battle damage: Visible throughout the exterior
  • Period furnishings: Original Chew family collections
  • Outbuildings: Kitchen, carriage house, barn
  • Gardens: Historic landscape

Collections

The house retains extensive Chew family collections:

  • Original furniture
  • Paintings and portraits
  • Documents and papers
  • Decorative arts

Interpreting Multiple Histories

Beyond the Founders

Cliveden interprets the stories of everyone who lived and worked at the property:

  • The Chew family (owners)
  • Enslaved African Americans
  • Free Black workers
  • Servants and staff

Slavery at Cliveden

The Chew family enslaved African Americans:

  • Enslaved people lived and worked on the property
  • Their stories are part of Cliveden's interpretation
  • Research continues to uncover their histories

Battle of Germantown Reenactment

Each October, Cliveden hosts a Battle of Germantown Reenactment:

  • Hundreds of reenactors
  • Period demonstrations
  • Educational programs
  • One of the largest Revolutionary War reenactments

Visiting Cliveden

Hours

  • Friday-Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (April-December)
  • Closed: Monday-Thursday
  • Winter: Limited hours—check website
  • Check website for current schedule

Admission

  • Adults: Approximately $12 (check website for current pricing)
  • Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
  • Children: Discounted rates
  • National Trust members: Free

Tours

Guided tours interpret:

  • The Battle of Germantown
  • The Chew family and their world
  • Enslaved and free African Americans at Cliveden
  • The house and collections

Tips

  • Tours are the best way to experience the house
  • The battle reenactment (October) is spectacular
  • Combine with nearby Germantown historic sites
  • Good for history enthusiasts

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 available

Nearby Attractions

Programs and Events

Battle of Germantown Reenactment

Annual October event featuring:

  • Hundreds of reenactors
  • Tactical demonstrations
  • Period camps
  • Educational programs

Educational Programs

  • School field trips
  • Public tours
  • Lectures and discussions
  • Community events

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "About Cliveden". Cliveden. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Cliveden". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025

External Links

Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Cliveden&oldid=2700"