Pent eaves were popular in Colonial Philadelphia

Walk down the 200 block of Delancey Street in Society Hill and you’ll see four homes in a row with pent eaves. Photo by Jim Murphy, author of “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”

What’s a pent eave?

The “Guide to Historic Society Hill,” published by the Society Hill Civic Association, says pent eaves, pictured above, were common in Philadelphia before the Revolution.

They’re described as: “weather-protective shed roofs overhanging the windows and doorways of the first story, extending the full width of a façade.”

You’ll see them on other homes in Society Hill as well as on Elfreth’s Alley and at the Betsy Ross House in Old City.

Some Sources:

https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/PA-02-PH2

https://societyhillcivic.org/product/guide-to-historic-society-hill/