The Wedgwood Inn

The Wedgwood Inn as seen from Bridge Street

Then new owners Dinie and Carl in 1982 photograph with a plaque from Bucks County Conservancy.

The current structure was built by Mary Ann Slaughter in 1870 on the stone foundation of the original 1720 “old hip-roof” house. In the 1907 edition of W. H. H. Davis’ History of Bucks County, Davis states the older house was used as headquarters by patriot Alexander Lord Stirling during the Revolutionary War. Washington and his troops were camped across what is now Bridge Street from December 8, 1776, to December 25, 1776, just before the historic Battle of Trenton. That became a victory for the Continentals and an emotional turning point in the war. Inn owner Carl Glassman explains that there was a cannon in the front yard facing the slope down to Ferry Street in case the British were to approach. At that time there were mostly fields between the house and the river. As a salute to its role in the revolution, the house subsequently became known as “The Old Fort” or “The Headquarters House.”

In the 1930’s the house began to be used as a rooming house, a role that continued through several owners and decades. Carl’s and Dinie’s tenure has led to the expansion of the mansion with a rear addition in 1999, and upgrades such as private baths for each of the 10 lodging rooms. The construction led to the discovery of an underground wood and stone tunnel running from the kitchen to a gazebo located on the east side of the house. The tunnel was accessed inside the house from the wooden kitchen floor. The residue of gunpowder and candles was found in the tunnel. It is theorized that the tunnel was likely used to store ammunition for the Continental Army during the revolution. Later it may have served as a hiding spot for the enslaved on the underground railroad as they awaited a friendly mule barge northbound on the Delaware Canal. The current owners state that two of their visitors are said to have seen the ghost of a 12-year-old girl who is felt to be an enslaved person looking for her parents. 

Famous guests have included politician & author Ralph Nader, William Shatner of Star Trek, and Antoni Poworski of Queer Eye. Nader volunteered to speak to a class in the school across the street. 

Architecturally the house is Victorian style with deep eaves, a projecting two-story bay window, a wraparound verandah with scrolled brackets, and a porte-corchere built initially to be the coach entrance for women. Until recently there was a slate roof. The clipped gables may be an echo of the original building. Inside are found walls stenciled by local artist Cheryl Raywood, an old claw foot tub, and a Mercer tile fireplace, along with many original decorative features. English Wedgwood plateware decorates the house. 

Detail of wall stencil by Cheryl Raywood.

At one time, the property extended as far as the Aquetong Creek. Southern parts of the property were sold off years ago and newer structures were constructed there. Besides the gazebo mentioned above, there is a view that captures that of the famous Joseph Pickett painting of New Hope. In addition, a Ray Faunce sculpture from the New Hope Arts Outdoor Sculpture Project, Triffids, can be seen from Bridge Street.

Ray Faunce sculpture in front of the Inn.

Many thanks to Carl and Dinie for sharing their historic property with us as we continue to explore the history of New Hope through its buildings and its current residents.