a library about fifteen feet square with built-in bookcases,
two connecting bedrooms, one with an alcove and secret door where the
owner might shut himself away from intrusive visitors, and a staircase
leading to more bedrooms on the third floor. The cellar is deep and
roomy, with provision for wine storage, and an underground passage
communicates with the kitchen located in a separate building about
twenty-five feet distant.

Solitude was built in 1785 by John Penn, a grandson of William Penn,
the founder of Philadelphia, and a son of Thomas Penn, whose wife was a
daughter of the Earl of Pomfret. A much traveled, scholarly man, poet,
idealist and art patron, he came to Philadelphia in 1783 to look after
proprietary interests in Pennsylvania and intending to become an
American. But his claims were made under hereditary rights, and as the
State was not disposed to honor them he concluded to remain an
Englishman. Vexed with the perversity of human nature, he built Solitude
and named it for a lodge belonging to the Duke of Wuerttemburg. There he
lived somewhat the life of a recluse with his books and trees for three
years. He was on friendly terms with his neighbors, however, who
included his cousin, Governor John Penn, and Judge Richard Peters. Gay
week-end parties also came in boats to enjoy his hospitality, and
Washington once spent a day with him during the sitting of the
Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

In 1788 Penn suddenly returned to England, built a handsome residence at
Stoke and embarked on a notable career in public life, becoming sheriff
of Bucks in 1798, a member of Parliament in 1802, and royal governor of
the island of Portland in Dorset for many years after 1805. The
University of Cambridge made him an LL.D. in 1811, and he won promotion
to a lieutenant-colonelcy in the Royal Bucks Yeomanry. Later in his
declining years he formed the Outinian Society to encourage young men
and women to marry, although he inconsistently died a bachelor in 1834.

[Illustration: PLATE XXXVI.--Doorway and Ironwork, Northeast Corner of
Third and Pine Streets; Stoop with Curved Stairs and Iron Handrail, 316
South Third Street.]

[Illustration: PLATE XXXVII.--Stoop and Balustrade, Wistar House; Stoop
and Balustrade, 130 Race Street.]

Solitude then passed by inheritance to Penn's youngest brother,
Granville, and on his death ten years later to a nephew, Granville John
Penn, great-grandson of William Penn, and the