The Revere House still stands on North Square, just a block from the waterfront. It has diamond-paned windows and an upper story overhanging the lower. It is a good example of an early Colonial America house.

In 1902 it was nearly torn down to make way for new buildings, but Paul Revere's great-grandson bought it and helped raise the money to preserve it. An organization was formed, the Paul Revere Memorial Association, to protect and maintain it. It is the oldest house in Boston, and visitors come every day to see it.

At the time his first wife died in 1773, Revere had eight children. He soon remarried and had eight more. However, the 16 children didn't live here at the same time--as they grew up, they moved out on their own. There were only about 8 living here at any one time.

Kitchen - (can you spot the cradle?)

Kitchen - Opposite end - (There are two fireplaces and spinning wheels in the kitchen!)

These first two photos show the kitchen. On cold winter days, you would probably find most of the family here, keeping warm.

It's hard to imagine Paul, his wife, his mother, and all those children living in this small house!

It has several huge fireplaces.... some big enough to stand up in. Boston winters are snowy and cold, and the fireplaces were a welcome source of heat, as well as the main cooking areas.

Living Room - (look at the length of the rifle hanging over the fireplace)

Living Room - Study end (Can you spot the portraits of Paul and his wife on the wall?)

 

The house was built about 1680 and was already 90 years old when Paul bought it. He paid about £200 (British pounds) for it. The tax collector described it as having 3 stories and 17 windows. The third story is gone today, and it looks more like the original 1680 house. 

HALL 3