Editing Cliveden

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Cliveden
| image =
| image_caption = Cliveden of the National Trust
| type = Historic house museum
| address = 6401 Germantown Avenue
| neighborhood = Germantown
| coordinates = 40.0360,-75.1744
| phone = (215) 848-1777
| website = https://www.cliveden.org
| established = 1767 (house); 1972 (museum)
| founder = Benjamin Chew
| director =
| collections = Colonial and Revolutionary War history
| visitors = 15,000+ annually
| hours = Fri-Sun 12-4 PM (seasonal)
}}

'''Cliveden''' is a Georgian mansion in [[Germantown, Philadelphia|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'''.<ref name="cliveden">{{cite web |url=https://www.cliveden.org/about/ |title=About Cliveden |publisher=Cliveden |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/cliveden/ |title=Cliveden |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== 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 ===

* [[Johnson House]] (2 blocks)
* [[Germantown White House]] (Deshler-Morris House)
* [[Wyck]] (nearby)
* [[Stenton]] (1 mile)
* [[Germantown, Philadelphia]]

== 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 ==

* [[Battle of Germantown]]
* [[American Revolution in Philadelphia]]
* [[Germantown, Philadelphia]]
* [[Johnson House]]
* [[Colonial Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.cliveden.org Cliveden Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/cliveden/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
* [https://savingplaces.org/places/cliveden National Trust for Historic Preservation]

{{#seo:
|title=Cliveden Germantown - Battle of Germantown Historic Site
|description=Visit Cliveden, the Georgian mansion that was the focal point of the Battle of Germantown in 1777. See bullet-scarred walls, period furnishings, and learn about all who lived here. A National Trust property.
|keywords=Cliveden, Battle of Germantown, Revolutionary War Philadelphia, Benjamin Chew, Germantown historic site, National Trust, colonial mansion, Philadelphia history
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Germantown]]
[[Category:American Revolution]]
[[Category:Colonial Philadelphia]]