Editing Cliveden Park

{{Infobox Park
| name = Cliveden
| image =
| image_caption = Cliveden house with battle damage still visible
| type = Historic site / Estate grounds
| location = Germantown
| coordinates = 40.0380,-75.1750
| area = 6 acres
| established = 1767 (house); National Trust site since 1972
| operated_by = Cliveden of the National Trust
| features = Revolutionary War battlefield, Georgian mansion, grounds
| hours = See website for tour times
| transit = SEPTA Regional Rail to Chelten Avenue; bus routes
| website = https://www.cliveden.org
}}

'''Cliveden''' (pronounced KLIV-den) is a Georgian mansion and historic estate in [[Germantown]], famous as the site of the most intense fighting during the '''Battle of Germantown''' on October 4, 1777. The Chew family home, which still bears musket ball and cannon damage from the battle, is now a National Trust historic site with grounds open for exploration.<ref name="cliveden">{{cite web |url=https://www.cliveden.org |title=Cliveden |publisher=Cliveden of the National Trust |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Cliveden offers one of the most tangible connections to the Revolutionary War in Philadelphia.

== History ==

=== The Chew Family ===

'''Benjamin Chew''' built Cliveden in '''1767''':
* Chief Justice of colonial Pennsylvania
* Built as summer retreat from Center City
* Georgian architecture
* Family occupied for 200 years

=== Battle of Germantown ===

The '''October 4, 1777 battle''' defined Cliveden's legacy:
* British forces occupied the house
* Washington's army attacked through Germantown
* About 120 British soldiers fortified inside
* American forces assaulted the house repeatedly
* Stone walls withstood cannon fire
* Battle ultimately an American defeat, but showed Continental Army's fighting capability

=== Preservation ===

The house was preserved:
* Chew family maintained until 1972
* Donated to National Trust for Historic Preservation
* Restored and opened to public
* Battle damage intentionally preserved

== Features ==

=== The Mansion ===

'''Georgian architecture:'''
* Built 1763-1767
* Local Wissahickon schist stone
* Formal Georgian plan
* Original furnishings
* Visible battle scars (musket balls, cannon damage)

=== Battle Damage ===

The house preserves '''Revolutionary War damage:'''
* Musket ball marks in walls
* Cannon ball damage
* Broken shutters (replicas of originals)
* Interpretive markers

=== The Grounds ===

'''Estate landscape:'''
* 6-acre grounds
* Historic trees
* Formal garden elements
* Walking paths
* Carriage house

=== Upton House ===

Adjacent property:
* 19th-century home
* Part of Cliveden site
* Additional interpretation

== Visiting ==

=== Tours ===

* Guided tours of mansion
* Battle interpretation
* Architectural history
* Check website for schedule

=== Grounds ===

* Grounds often accessible during daylight
* Self-guided exploration
* Historical markers throughout
* Free grounds access (tour fee for house)

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' 6401 Germantown Avenue

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Regional Rail to Chelten Avenue Station
* SEPTA Bus 23

'''By Car:'''
* Street parking on Germantown Avenue
* Small lot available

=== Tips ===

* Tours required for interior
* The grounds are worth visiting independently
* Battle of Germantown reenactments held in October
* Combine with other Germantown historic sites

== Annual Events ==

=== Battle Reenactment ===

'''October commemorations:'''
* Revolutionary War reenactment
* Battle anniversary events
* Living history programs
* Major Philadelphia history event

=== Programs ===

* Educational tours
* School programs
* Special exhibitions
* Community events

== Historic Significance ==

Cliveden represents:
* Revolutionary War military history
* Colonial elite architecture
* 200 years of one family's history
* Early American society

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Vernon Park]]''' — Nearby in Germantown
* '''[[Germantown]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[Germantown White House]]''' — Deshler-Morris House
* '''[[Johnson House]]''' — Underground Railroad site
* '''[[Awbury Arboretum]]''' — Nearby green space

== See Also ==

* [[Battle of Germantown]]
* [[Germantown]]
* [[Revolutionary War in Philadelphia]]
* [[Historic Germantown]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.cliveden.org Cliveden of the National Trust]
* [https://savingplaces.org National Trust for Historic Preservation]

{{#seo:
|title=Cliveden Philadelphia - Revolutionary War Battlefield in Germantown
|description=Guide to Cliveden in Germantown. Site of Battle of Germantown, Georgian mansion with visible battle damage, and Revolutionary War history.
|keywords=Cliveden Philadelphia, Battle of Germantown, Revolutionary War Philadelphia, Germantown historic sites, Benjamin Chew, Philadelphia battlefields
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Germantown]]
[[Category:Revolutionary War]]
[[Category:Architecture]]