Hancock House
New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Massacre Site — 1734 Quaker Pattern-Brick Architecture, Hancock Bridge Massacre March 21, 1778, British Queen’s Rangers Attack on Sleeping Militia, National Register of Historic Places, Salem County New Jersey
Hancock House is a state historic site in the Hancock’s Bridge section of Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County, New Jersey. Built in 1734 by William and Sarah Hancock, a prominent Quaker family, this house is both an outstanding example of English Quaker pattern-end wall brick architecture and the site of one of the Revolution’s most controversial events — the Hancock’s Bridge Massacre of March 21, 1778. The site features decorative patterned brickwork displaying the date 1734 and initials WHS, the house’s NRHP listing, museum exhibits interpreting the massacre and colonial Quaker life, and free public access as a state-maintained historic site acquired in 1931.
The 1778 Massacre
During the winter of 1777–1778, British forces occupying Philadelphia launched foraging expeditions into southern New Jersey. Salem County militia guarded creek crossings to block these raids. After a skirmish at nearby Quinton’s Bridge, British Colonel Charles Mawhood directed Major John Graves Simcoe and his Queen’s Rangers to attack the militia at Hancock’s Bridge. Guided by local Loyalist informants, approximately 300 British-led troops surrounded the house around 5:00 AM where Patriot militia were sleeping. The soldiers entered and bayoneted the occupants without firing a shot, killing at least 10 people — both militia and civilians — including the house’s owner, Judge William Hancock. The attack was condemned as a massacre and intensified local hostility toward the British.
Architecture and Preservation
The Hancock House is an exceptional example of Quaker patterned brickwork characteristic of the lower Delaware Valley. The west wall features decorative brick patterns displaying “1734” and the initials “WHS” (William, Hancock, Sarah). The State of New Jersey acquired the property in 1931 and maintains it as a public historic site. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Hancock House?
On March 21, 1778, British Queen’s Rangers bayoneted sleeping Patriot militia and civilians in the house, killing at least 10 people.
Why is the architecture notable?
The house features English Quaker pattern-end wall brickwork with decorative dating (1734) and owner initials, a rare surviving example.
Wildlife & Nature
Hancock House — a 1734 brick house in Lower Alloway’s Creek — site of the Hancock’s Bridge Massacre (March 1778) when British loyalists killed 20-30 sleeping American militia and civilians. Patterned brickwork in the Flemish Bond style. Bald eagles nest along the nearby creek.
Nearby Attractions
Hancock’s Bridge — adjacent. Fort Mott SP — 10 miles north. Salem — 5 miles east — one of NJ’s oldest settlements.
