Shippen's Great House

Built circa 1695, for Edward Shippen (1639-1712), 2nd Mayor of Philadelphia, President of the Governor's Council etc., "the biggest person, the biggest house, and the biggest coach". Shippen had purchased the property in 1693 and died here in 1712. It was surrounded by large gardens with an extensive variety of shrubs and flowers. From 1717 to 1726, Shippen's old home became the townhouse of Sir William Keith (1669-1749), the Provincial Governor of Pennsylvania who spent his summers at Graeme Park. During this time the house was known as The Governor's House