Cliveden (Benjamin Chew House), Philadelphia

Cliveden, also known as the Benjamin Chew House, is a notable historic site in the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia. Completed in 1767, it was originally a country house for Benjamin Chew, a prominent attorney and the head of Pennsylvania's Judiciary System during both its Colony and Commonwealth phases. This remarkable estate was home to seven generations of the Chew family.

One of Cliveden's most significant historical aspects is its role in the American Revolutionary War, particularly during the Battle of Germantown in 1777. Its architectural significance lies in its Georgian style, a testament to the era's design ethos. Benjamin Chew, despite lacking formal architectural training, contributed to the mansion's design, as evidenced by his plans found in the home.

Originally built on eleven acres, which Chew expanded to sixty, the estate featured manicured gardens, wooded groves, and several outbuildings, including a large carriage house. The design incorporates elements of English Neo-Palladian style, adapted to Chew's taste and resources, characteristic of the Middle Georgian period. The mansion's structure comprises a two and one-half story central block, accompanied by a kitchen and wash-house. Notable exterior features include a raised water table, horizontal belt course, modillion cornice, and impressive clustered brick chimneys.

The interior woodwork of Cliveden was crafted by Jacob Knor, a Germantown carpenter, who also contributed some furniture pieces. The house was furnished with works from esteemed Philadelphia craftsmen and artisans like Affleck, Gostelowe, and Evans. It also housed looking glasses and girandoles, attributed to Reynolds.

Cliveden's historical importance extends beyond its architecture and wartime significance. The Chew Family Papers, a vast collection of correspondence, documents, and financial records, are preserved at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, offering a rich resource for researchers delving into this period of American history.