The Pen Ryn Estate was originally known as Belle Voir. In 1744,
Abraham Bickley, a wealthy shipping merchant, and colonial alderman
built the mansion and renamed the estate, Pen Ryn. The estate was
visited by such historic figures as Benjamin Franklin, Francis Hopkinson
(signer of the Declaration of Independence), and Benjamin West (famous
colonial portrait painter). At the turn of the century, the Drexel
family enlarged the mansion with the addition of the gallery, library,
servant quarters and carriage house.

Due to its historic nature and architectural significance, the Pen Ryn Estate is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.