Quebec House facts for kids
Quebec House is a special old building in Westerham, Kent, England. It's famous because it was the birthplace of a brave soldier named General James Wolfe. He was a very important figure in British history. The house is now owned by the National Trust, which means it's protected and open for people to visit. It was built in the mid-1500s, but much of what you see today was added in the 1630s.
Contents
The Story of Quebec House
How Old is Quebec House?
Quebec House was first built a long, long time ago, between 1530 and 1550. Back then, it was made of wood and shaped like the letter 'L'. It was originally called Spiers. Later, around the 1630s, the house was updated, and it got the look you see today.
General James Wolfe's Early Life
General James Wolfe was born in this house. His father, Edward Wolfe, was also a respected general. The Wolfe family lived in Spiers from 1728 until 1738. James Wolfe grew up here before he became a famous military leader.
Why the Name "Quebec House"?
The house was renamed "Quebec House" to honor James Wolfe. This happened after his great victory and sad death at the Battle of Quebec in 1759. This battle was a big part of the French and Indian War. In 1911, a Canadian writer named Henry Beckles Willson lived there. Later, in 1917, a person named J. B. Learmong from Montreal bought the house and gave it to the National Trust.
What You'll See at Quebec House
The House's Look
Quebec House is a square building made of brick. It has two main floors and an attic, with a sloped roof made of tiles. The front of the house has three equal gables, which are the triangular parts of the wall under the roof. By the back door, there's an old water pump from 1792. A special blue sign on the outside wall shows that this was the Wolfe family's home.
Inside the House
Inside Quebec House, you can see many pictures and items connected to General Wolfe's life. These include paintings and other things that tell his story. The Art Fund even helped buy some of the portraits you can see there.
The Gardens and Coach House
The house is surrounded by a lovely garden. The plants in the garden are the kinds that would have grown there in the 1700s. The old coach house, where horses and carriages were kept, has been changed into a tea room and a bookshop. It also has an exhibition where you can learn more about the Battle of Quebec and General Wolfe's life.
