Quebec House
Quebec Houseis the birthplace of GeneralJames Wolfeon what is now known as Quebec Square inWesterham,Kent,England. The house islisted Grade Ion theNational Heritage List for Englandsince September 1954.[1]
The house dates from the mid 16th century but much of the current appearance is from the 1630s. It was originally called Spiers but renamed in honour of Wolfe's death and victory at theBattle of Quebecin 1759. The house is now owned by theNational Trustand open to the public with paintings and memorabilia relating to Wolfe's life.
History
[edit]Originally called Spiers, the house was built between 1530 and 1550 as a timber-framed L-shaped building.[2]It was altered in the 1630s, when the current exterior was added.[2][1]
James Wolfewas the son of a distinguished general,Edward Wolfewho rented Spiers.[3]Wolfe lived there from 1728 until 1738.[4]
The house was renamed after his victory at theBattle of Quebec.[2]It was occupied in 1911 by Canadian authorHenry Beckles Willsonand his family.[5]Joseph Bowles Learmont of Montreal acquired the house and presented it to theNational Trustin 1917.[1]
Architecture and contents
[edit]The square brick building has two storeys and an attic with a tiled pitched roof. The three-bayfront has three equal gables. There is a water pump by the back door which dates from 1792.[1]A blue plaque along the outer brick wall marks the entrance of the Wolfe's home.[6]
Various pictures relating to the life of General Wolfe are displayed in the house.[7]The purchase of two portraits were assisted by theArt Fund.[8]
The house is surrounded by a garden stocked with plants which would have been available in the 18th century.[9]The coach house has been converted into a tea room and bookshop with an exhibition on the battle and on Wolfe's life. The house itself contains memorabilia and paintings connected to him.[9]
References
[edit]- ^abcdHistoric England,"Quebec House (1244133)",National Heritage List for England,retrieved14 April2019
- ^abc"History at Quebec House".National Trust.Archivedfrom the original on 8 December 2017.Retrieved8 March2020.
- ^Salmon, Edward (1909). Hutton, W. H. (ed.).General Wolfe.Makers of National History. Cassell & Company. pp. 1–2.Archivedfrom the original on 9 October 2016.Retrieved8 March2020.
- ^"Lieut. General James Wolfe,".The Weald.Archivedfrom the original on 22 August 2019.Retrieved8 March2020.
- ^1911 England Census
- ^"General James Wolfe, Quebec House, Westerham, Kent. UK".Waymarking.Retrieved8 March2020.
- ^"National Trust, Quebec House".Art UK.Archivedfrom the original on 12 June 2016.Retrieved8 March2020.
- ^"Quebec House".Art Fund.Retrieved8 March2020.
- ^ab"Explore Quebec House".National Trust.Archivedfrom the original on 8 December 2017.Retrieved8 March2020.
External links
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