History

Pennsbury Manor

In 1682, William Penn began construction of his official residence, Pennsbury. The 8,431 acre site in Falls Township was chosen for its easy access to Philadelphia along the Delaware River. This island was gradually sold by Penn's heirs and the last original building was destroyed in 1864. In 1932 a small portion of the original site was purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and reconstruction of Pennsbury Manor was begun.

The recreated country home of William Penn in Bucks County, Pennsylvania provides a peaceful contrast to the hurry of modern American life. The construction of the original manor was an expression of Penn's belief that life in the country was more wholesome than in the atmosphere of crowded cities. Pennsbury Manor is permeated with the spirit of this kindly devout humanitarian, and it gives the visitor a sense of the unhurried grace and charm of those years when Pennsylvania was William Penn's "Holy Experiment."

Pennsbury Manor is a two and a half story brick house in a style typical of the William and Mary period. It was entered onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

Pennsbury Manor's new Visitor Center is officially open to the public. The new building is approximately three times the size of the old building and includes a classroom equipped with video conferencing, an auditorium, exhibit gallery (currently under construction), offices and state-of-the-art storage space for items from the collections.

Much of the plantation arrangement of the estate has been reconstructed. Today there is a bake and brew house, a smoke house, a plantation office, ice house, and stable. Some of these are conjectural. Penn's gardens with native and foreign plants have been replanted.

The official grand opening ceremonies will be held on September 29 & 30, 2007 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Admission will be free of charge during this two day celebration. Check back for further details

Pennsbury Manor can be reached by the tourist by a short drive from U.S. 1, U.S. 13, or the Pennsylvania Turnpike by following the routes in the Directions to Pennsbury.