Castles dot the Pennsylvania landscape. One such castle, Grey Towers Castle, sits on the campus of Arcadia University, a half an hour outside of Philadelphia. Unless you are from the area, you may have only heard of Grey Towers Castle in passing or may never have heard of it at all. Here’s the story of Grey Towers Castle in Pennsylvania.
Some time before Grey Towers Castle was built, Rosedale Hall sat upon the 138 acres in Glenside owned by William Welsh Harrison.
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The Pennsylvanian, who co-owned the Franklin Sugar Refinery, made a significant investment when he hired Horace Trumbauer, in 1891, to design a gatehouse and stables for the sprawling property.
The Story of Grey Towers at Arcadia University
The Harrison family would again call Trumbauer just two years later, in 1893, after Rosedale Hall’s Main House burned to the ground.
The Story of Grey Towers at Arcadia University
Trumbauer designed a majestic building, inspired by England’s Alnwick Castle. His work on the castle would propel him to prominence as he later designed such renowned spots as the New York Evening Post Building and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Grey Towers Castle, which came with a price tag of a quarter of a million dollars, featured hand-carved woodwork, stone mantels, and walnut columns.
The Story of Grey Towers at Arcadia University
The castle’s 40 rooms, of course, lived up to their regal reputation. Grey Towers Castle featured a library, a ballroom, the Rose Room, and a grand hall.
The Story of Grey Towers at Arcadia University
Following Harrison’s death in 1927, Grey Towers Castle was sold to Beaver College for a princely sum of over $700,000.
The Story of Grey Towers at Arcadia University
Grey Towers Castle earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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Beaver College is now Arcadia University but Grey Towers Castle still plays a prominent role in student life. The castle houses dorm rooms while the Rose Room hosts a variety of campus activities and events.
The Story of Grey Towers at Arcadia University
Address
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The Story of Grey Towers at Arcadia University
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Arcadia University 450 South Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038 215-572-2900 Click here for more information.
Grey Towers Castle at Arcadia University is just one majestic castle in Pennsylvania. Click here to read about 15 more.
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