Benjamin Chew House

Gazing upon Benjamin Chew House, also known as Cliveden, one can almost hear the echoes of history whispering from its walls. This grand Georgian mansion, nestled in Germantown, Philadelphia, stands as a silent witness to centuries of change. Built between 1763 and 1767 for attorney Benjamin Chew, Cliveden served as a summer retreat for his family, a refuge from the city’s heat and yellow fever outbreaks. The house witnessed seven generations of Chews come and go within its sturdy walls. Its architectural style, a testament to colonial elegance, is largely derived from British patterns yet incorporates local materials and techniques. Wissahickon schist, a less costly alternative to brick, forms the house’s walls. A unique T-shaped center hall graces the first floor, flanked by smaller rooms and larger chambers. Doric columns divide the front and rear halls, adding a touch of classical grandeur. Benjamin Chew House survived a pivotal moment in American history. During the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Germantown raged around the house in 1777. British troops, led by Colonel Thomas Musgrave, secured a victory against George Washington’s forces. After the battle, the house was sold to Blair McClenachan but was later repurchased by the Chew family in 1797. The Chew family remained at Benjamin Chew House until 1972, when it was entrusted to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Beyond its architectural splendor and historical significance, Benjamin Chew House reveals a more complex narrative. Research is uncovering the stories of the enslaved and indentured servants who labored on the Chew family’s properties, adding layers of meaning to the house’s legacy. Today, Benjamin Chew House is open to the public, offering tours that explore its multifaceted past. It stands not just as a monument to the Chew family but also as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that shaped American identity.