Ladd’s Castle / Candor Hall

In 1688, a surveyor named John Ladd acquired a vast 7,000-acre tract of land. This land fronted the Delaware River. It was initially known as Cork’s Cove, then Ladd’s Cove. It later became known as Howell’s Cove and Washington Park. On this land, Ladd built his Manor House, which is now known as Ladd’s Castle or Candor Hall. Ladd’s Castle, a historic house in West Deptford Township, New Jersey, stands as a testament to early American architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Ladd, purportedly instrumental in Philadelphia’s urban planning alongside William Penn, constructed this house around 1688. The original structure, known as Candor Hall, consisted of a brick back parlor with a room above, and two expansive wooden wings. A large brick kitchen stood at the north end. Later, John Ladd Jr. added what is now the front parlor. The original brick kitchen was demolished in 1825. The wooden wings met their end in 1843, replaced by a cellar and drain. Ladd’s Castle showcases a unique two-story patterned brick design, featuring Flemish bond with glazed headers. It’s considered the oldest brick house in Gloucester County. The house underwent renovations between 1947 and 1948. Interestingly, the road bordering the southwest of the old Candor Hall farm is called Hessian Road. This name originates from the march of Hessian troops under Col. Count Donop during their attack on Fort Mercer in 1777. The retreating soldiers are said to have quenched their thirst in Hessian Run, a small stream behind the old house. Some wounded and dead soldiers were also found there. The embankment and ditch of the “Deer Park” are still visible on the west side of Hessian Road. This 400-acre park had a ditch on the inner side, allowing deer to leap in, but making it difficult for them to escape.