Gladwyne was settled in 1682 by Welsh Quakers and was formerly known as Merion Square. It was given its new nameof Gladwyne in 1891 to coincide with the Welsh names of adjoining towns. Many Mills operated in Gladwyne in the early years and Mill Creek, site of many of them, is both a major road and creek through the town. Shortly sfter the Civil War, wealthy Philadelphians began to establish summer homes there. The development of route 76 in the 1960s and the subsequent development of King of Prussia as a major business center increased
the attraction to Gladwyne as it was a Main Line town situated between two major business areas.
Pupils living in Gladwyne attend schools in the Lower Merion School District. The area is close to many private schools as well and is home to Gladwyne Montessori. Lower Merion schools are ranked among the highest in the State of Pennsylvania.
