Philadelphia 23, 24, 25 May

We spent three enjoyable days in Philadelphia.  It was a really interesting place, particularly because it played a huge part in American history.  It was founded by William Penn, a Quaker, in 1681 as a place of religious freedom and became the capital at the start of the Revolutionary War.  For a time it was the second largest city in the British Empire, after London.

 Independence Hall, the Georgian statehouse where the  Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed.  

Inside Independence Hall.

The Liberty Bell was erected 1751 to celebrate Pennsylvania's Constitution and has become a great American symbol of freedom.    

This is the Free (or Fighting) Quaker's Meeting Place.  They were named the Fighting Quakers because they were a breakaway group who believed in fighting against the English.  As you can see, they love to dress in period costume in Philadelphia too!

There is a marvelous market in Philly and we had lunch at a kind of Amish diner.

Here's lunch, a rueben for Joy and pulled pork for Bill.   Lunch always seems come with crisps or chips and any kind of sauce you can think of.

Typical Philadelphian apartments with fire escapes.

We toured the home of Betsy Ross the maker of the first stars and stripes flag.  Later when we went on the open bus tour, the guide spoilt our fun by telling us that this is in dispute.  

This is Betsy's work room.

Franklin Court.  Benjamin Franklin rented out these houses and his own house was directly behind them.

Inside the Court House, by Independence Hall.