Quebec House facts for kids
Quebec House is a special historic home in Westerham, Kent, England. It is famous because it was the birthplace of General James Wolfe. Today, the area around it is called Quebec Square. This house is very important, so it has a "Grade I" listing on the National Heritage List for England since 1954.
The house was built in the mid-1500s. However, it got its current look mostly in the 1630s. It was first called Spiers. Later, it was renamed Quebec House to honor General Wolfe. This name change happened after his victory and death at the Battle of Quebec in 1759. The National Trust now owns Quebec House. You can visit it to see paintings and items from Wolfe's life.
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History of Quebec House
The house was originally named Spiers. It was built between 1530 and 1550. At that time, it was a timber-framed building shaped like the letter L. It was changed a lot in the 1630s. That is when its outside walls were added, giving it the look we see today.
General James Wolfe's Early Life
James Wolfe was the son of a well-known general, Edward Wolfe. His family rented Spiers, which is now Quebec House. James Wolfe lived in this house from 1728 until 1738.
Renaming and Ownership
The house was renamed after James Wolfe's big victory at the Battle of Quebec. In 1911, a Canadian writer named Henry Beckles Willson lived there with his family. Later, in 1917, Joseph Bowles Learmont from Montreal bought the house. He then gave it to the National Trust. The National Trust takes care of many historic places in England.
What Quebec House Looks Like
Quebec House is a square building made of brick. It has two main floors and an attic. The roof is tiled and slopes downwards. The front of the house has three equal sections, each with a pointed gable at the top.
Special Features of the House
Near the back door, there is an old water pump. This pump dates back to 1792. You can also see a blue plaque on the outside brick wall. This plaque marks the entrance to what was once the Wolfe family home.
Inside Quebec House
Inside the house, you can see many pictures. These pictures tell the story of General Wolfe's life. The Art Fund helped to buy two of these important portraits. The house also displays other items and paintings connected to him.
Gardens and Coach House
Quebec House is surrounded by a lovely garden. This garden has plants that would have grown there in the 1700s. The old coach house, where horse-drawn carriages were kept, has been changed. It is now a tea room and a bookshop. There is also an exhibition there. This exhibition teaches visitors about the Battle of Quebec and General Wolfe's life.
