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 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
[edit | edit source]Benjamin Chew
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]In 1972, Cliveden became a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring its preservation and interpretation for the public.
The House
[edit | edit source]Georgian Architecture
[edit | edit source]Cliveden is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America:
- Symmetrical facade
- Dressed stone construction
- Palladian design elements
- Original architectural details
Features
[edit | edit source]- Battle damage: Visible throughout the exterior
- Period furnishings: Original Chew family collections
- Outbuildings: Kitchen, carriage house, barn
- Gardens: Historic landscape
Collections
[edit | edit source]The house retains extensive Chew family collections:
- Original furniture
- Paintings and portraits
- Documents and papers
- Decorative arts
Interpreting Multiple Histories
[edit | edit source]Beyond the Founders
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Friday-Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (April-December)
- Closed: Monday-Thursday
- Winter: Limited hours—check website
- Check website for current schedule
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $12 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Children: Discounted rates
- National Trust members: Free
Tours
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Johnson House (2 blocks)
- Germantown White House (Deshler-Morris House)
- Wyck (nearby)
- Stenton (1 mile)
- Germantown, Philadelphia
Programs and Events
[edit | edit source]Battle of Germantown Reenactment
[edit | edit source]Annual October event featuring:
- Hundreds of reenactors
- Tactical demonstrations
- Period camps
- Educational programs
Educational Programs
[edit | edit source]- School field trips
- Public tours
- Lectures and discussions
- Community events
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Battle of Germantown
- American Revolution in Philadelphia
- Germantown, Philadelphia
- Johnson House
- Colonial Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About Cliveden". Cliveden. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Cliveden". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025