Growden Mansion
Encyclopedia
Growdon Mansion, a historical landmark, sits in the heart of Bensalem, a township that borders the northeast section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
.
The history of Growdon Mansion dates back to the late 17th century when Cornish
brothers Joseph and Lawrence Growdon, a rich pewterer from St Merryn, purchased about 5000 acres (20.2 km²) from William Penn
. In 1683 Joseph Growdon settled on this land and built a manor for the Growdon family. In 1753, Joseph Growdon's granddaughter Grace Galloway and her husband Joseph Galloway
inherited the land. Since women could not own property during this time, Joseph Galloway
became the sole proprietor.
Galloway developed the property and built additions to the house. He was a good friend of Benjamin Franklin
, and Franklin visited him often, traveling 25 miles from Philadelphia on horseback or by carriage. While a local legend maintains that Franklin performed his famous kite-flying experiment at Growdon Mansion to prove that lightning was the same as static electricity, the broader consensus is that Benjamin Franklin flew his kite closer to his home in Philadelphia. Other significant historical figures such as George Washington
and John Adams
have also stayed at Growdon Manor.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
.
The history of Growdon Mansion dates back to the late 17th century when Cornish
Cornish people
The Cornish are a people associated with Cornwall, a county and Duchy in the south-west of the United Kingdom that is seen in some respects as distinct from England, having more in common with the other Celtic parts of the United Kingdom such as Wales, as well as with other Celtic nations in Europe...
brothers Joseph and Lawrence Growdon, a rich pewterer from St Merryn, purchased about 5000 acres (20.2 km²) from William Penn
William Penn
William Penn was an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English North American colony and the future Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was an early champion of democracy and religious freedom, notable for his good relations and successful...
. In 1683 Joseph Growdon settled on this land and built a manor for the Growdon family. In 1753, Joseph Growdon's granddaughter Grace Galloway and her husband Joseph Galloway
Joseph Galloway
Joseph Galloway was an American Loyalist during the American Revolution, after serving as delegate to the First Continental Congress from Pennsylvania.-Early life:...
inherited the land. Since women could not own property during this time, Joseph Galloway
Joseph Galloway
Joseph Galloway was an American Loyalist during the American Revolution, after serving as delegate to the First Continental Congress from Pennsylvania.-Early life:...
became the sole proprietor.
Galloway developed the property and built additions to the house. He was a good friend of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat...
, and Franklin visited him often, traveling 25 miles from Philadelphia on horseback or by carriage. While a local legend maintains that Franklin performed his famous kite-flying experiment at Growdon Mansion to prove that lightning was the same as static electricity, the broader consensus is that Benjamin Franklin flew his kite closer to his home in Philadelphia. Other significant historical figures such as George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
and John Adams
John Adams
John Adams was an American lawyer, statesman, diplomat and political theorist. A leading champion of independence in 1776, he was the second President of the United States...
have also stayed at Growdon Manor.
External links
- Bensalem Historical Society - includes history of Growdon Mansion
- Trevose Manor (aka the General James Wilkinson House and/or the Joseph Growdon House - information from the original nomination document