The General Warren Inne in Malvern, Pennsylvania is a beautifully restored historic tavern that offers unique lodging, excellent cuisine, and a great history lesson. The tavern has served in a multitude of capacities over its 275 years of existence and even played a role in the American Revolution! If you are ever in Philadelphia or just passing through the area, a visit to the General Warren Inne is well worth it.
History
What is now known as the General Warren Inne was first established in 1745 by a man named George Aston. The first name of the tavern was the “Sign of Admiral Vernon,” named for British naval hero Edward Vernon. In 1746, the tavern was re-named the “Sign of Admiral Warren” after Admiral Sir Peter Warren, who had recently commanded the British naval forces during a successful attack on French Louisbourg, Nova Scotia in 1745.
During the American Revolution, the tavern played a central role in what is known as the Philadelphia Campaign. Throughout the campaign, both the British and Continental armies used the tavern as a landmark and marched by it on multiple occasions. In September 1777, the New Jersey Continental troops camped near the tavern on the eve of the aborted engagement known as the Battle of the Clouds. Later that month (prior to the Paoli Massacre), some civilians were briefly held in confinement at the tavern as British General Charles Grey sought out Continental General Anthony Wayne’s troops.
In 1786, tavern owner John Penn (of the famous Penn family and a loyalist) sold the tavern to a German man named Casper Fahnestock before moving to England following the American Revolution. The tavern soon became popular with the local German farming community and those who transported goods along the road from Lancaster to Philadelphia. The Sign of Admiral Warren’s popularity increased in the 1790s when the newly constructed turnpike that connected Lancaster to Philadelphia made the tavern an ideal stop for food, drink, and rest (the tavern even served as the local post office for a time).
In 1825, the tavern was renamed the “General Warren Tavern” to honor the late patriot Doctor Joseph Warren who was killed in 1775 at the Battle of Bunker Hill. But despite the name change to honor an American hero, the tavern’s prominence and use diminished throughout the 1830s as railroads diverted traffic away from the turnpike. A lack of visitors and persistent financial struggles led to the closure of the tavern and the building turned into a private residence for many decades.
By the early 1900s, the building was revived and served briefly as a restaurant before being transformed into a nursing home in the mid-1920s (in the 1950s, a restaurant again occupied the building). By 1984, the current owners worked to return the historic tavern to its colonial roots, but with a modern flair. Today, the General Warren Inne offers lodging for guests (there are eight suites), public and private dining options, and venue space for weddings and large events.
Interesting Facts
- Similar to the tavern’s first namesake, George Washington’s home Mount Vernon is also named after British Admiral Edward Vernon
- In the 1830s, the tavern was turned into a Temperance Hotel. This purposeful lack of alcohol likely played a role in its eventual closure
- The tavern displays the original 1786 indenture (real estate deed) for the sale of the Admiral Warren Tavern from John Penn (grandson of Pennsylvania founder William Penn) to Casper Fahnestock
Our Visit & Recommendations
We visited the General Warren Inne (9 Old Lancaster Rd, Malvern, PA 19355) while exploring historic sites in and around Philadelphia and were not disappointed! It is about a 35 minute drive from the city and conveniently located near other revolutionary historic sites such as the Paoli Battlefield and Valley Forge National Historical Park. If you want to visit the tavern for dinner, reservations are highly recommended- otherwise, you can just go to walk the peaceful grounds and explore the interior.
When the weather is nice, the tavern offers relaxing outdoor seating on its terrace. Of course, if you want to see the themed dining rooms and Warren Tavern tap room, either request to sit inside or be sure to walk around the tavern (the staff is extremely friendly and happy to answer questions). Near the front entrance hangs the original 1786 indenture signed by John Penn, which you won’t want to miss.
If you are looking for a venue to host a corporate event, a family reunion, or even a wedding reception, General Warren is well-versed in hosting all types and sizes of events.
The General Warren Inne is one of the most historic taverns in Pennsylvania and has captured the 18th-century appeal that many are looking for. The tavern has created a warm and convivial atmosphere that can be enjoyed in all seasons, whether for a date night or a family dinner. If you want to get away from the commotion of the city and everyday life, come to the sequestered General Warren Inne for a relaxing stay and a fine meal.
Book Recommendation: Taverns of the American Revolution by Adrian Covert
Source(s): http://www.generalwarren.com/b-and-b-malvern-pa-history.php