Chew Mansion (Cliveden) - Philadelphia, PA
The Chew Mansion (also known as Cliveden) is located at 6401 Germantown Avenue in Northwest Philadelphia. Built in 1767 as a summer residence for wealthy lawyer and politician Benjamin Chew, the property is notable for its role in the American Revolutionary War.
On October 4, 1777, British soldiers stationed at the home successfully fended off George Washington's army in the Battle of Germantown. Approximately 57 Americans died on the grounds and a small number of British were killed inside the residence. While many victims were buried nearby at the Upper and Lower Burying Grounds, spirits from the conflict are believed to remain on site to this day.
One legend claims that during a skirmish preceding the Battle, an elderly woman holed up in the Chew House was decapitated by a crazed British soldier. The woman's spirit has reportedly been seen stumbling from the house looking for her head in the years since.
Another tale describes a water well on the property being used for the quick disposal of dead soldiers. One of the cast away corpses belonged to a rowdy British combatant who continued to manifest near the well in the form of a black hyena. Known as the "Ghost of Chew's Wall," this poltergeist instilled such fear in the neighborhood that residents nailed their doors shut at night using a horseshoe and even organized a committee to shoot the phantom with a silver bullet.
Eerie occurrences at the Chew Mansion have continued to this day. With mentions of skeletons "turning up in flower beds" during renovations on the property, it is no surprise that "ghosts are naturally expected to appear" at Cliveden.
On October 4, 1777, British soldiers stationed at the home successfully fended off George Washington's army in the Battle of Germantown. Approximately 57 Americans died on the grounds and a small number of British were killed inside the residence. While many victims were buried nearby at the Upper and Lower Burying Grounds, spirits from the conflict are believed to remain on site to this day.
One legend claims that during a skirmish preceding the Battle, an elderly woman holed up in the Chew House was decapitated by a crazed British soldier. The woman's spirit has reportedly been seen stumbling from the house looking for her head in the years since.
Another tale describes a water well on the property being used for the quick disposal of dead soldiers. One of the cast away corpses belonged to a rowdy British combatant who continued to manifest near the well in the form of a black hyena. Known as the "Ghost of Chew's Wall," this poltergeist instilled such fear in the neighborhood that residents nailed their doors shut at night using a horseshoe and even organized a committee to shoot the phantom with a silver bullet.
Eerie occurrences at the Chew Mansion have continued to this day. With mentions of skeletons "turning up in flower beds" during renovations on the property, it is no surprise that "ghosts are naturally expected to appear" at Cliveden.
Sources:
"Chews Give Up Cliveden". Suzy Says. Author/Publication/Year Unknown.
"Heavy Religious Messages". Chew Family Papers. Box 29. Historic Society of Pennsylvania. (May 20, 1920)
"The Ghost of Chew's Wall: A Legend of Germantown". The Pennsylvania Dutchman. (1953).
"Chews Give Up Cliveden". Suzy Says. Author/Publication/Year Unknown.
"Heavy Religious Messages". Chew Family Papers. Box 29. Historic Society of Pennsylvania. (May 20, 1920)
"The Ghost of Chew's Wall: A Legend of Germantown". The Pennsylvania Dutchman. (1953).