Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Grade I listed building. Main construction periods 1501 to 1975 Quebec House was the childhood home of General James Wolfe, who led the British against the French forces at the Battle of Quebec in 1759. The house was originally constructed in the 16th century and was extended in the 17th century. Most of the present exterior is 17th century. It contains a unique collection of Georgian memorabilia and an exhibition on the Battle of Quebec. It was acquired by Mr J B Learmong (sic) of Montreal and presented to the National Trust in 1917.

Monument Types

• SITE (Medieval to Modern - 1501 AD to 1975 AD)

Full description

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The following text is from the original listed building designation:
1. 5280 WESTERHAM WESTERHAM Quebec Square (North Side)
Quebec House TQ 4454 35/1444 10.9.54.
I
2. This property was acquired by Mr J B Learmong of Montreal and presented to the National Trust in 1917. General James Wolfe lived here during his early years. It is now open to the public on certain days and contains a small museum. Core of house sais to be of 15 1 but present exterior largely mid C17. Entrance front was altered in C18 and rebuilt in modern times to match the older design. Square house, each side 2 storeys and attic, 3 bays crowned by 3 equal gables with moulded brick coping and small ball finials on steps. High pitched tiled roofs. On west side 2 projecting chimney stacks of brick and rubble stonework, each with 3 linked tall shafts, the middle one diagonal. Walls mainly of brick, with 1st and 2nd floor bands, brick-coped rubble plinth and some brick-dressed rubble masonry on ground floor. Square brick hoodmoulds to attic casements, some original. Other windows sashes with glazing bars, some C18, some modern replacements; and reproduction Georgian central door and doorcase. Lead pump dated 1792 at back door. Inside much exposed timber. Front part of house is seen to be older, with Tudor work, including 2 stone fireplaces, panelling old beams and a mullioned window, now blocked, in former outside wall. Back part added in C17 remodelling. Mid C17 staircase with wainscoting and chimney-piece of similar date, and some fireplace surrounds. Circa 1700 panelling in downstairs back room.
Listing NGR: TQ4492254053

Description from record TQ 45 SW 58 :
(TQ 44925405) Quebec House (NAT) (1) 5280 WESTERHAM WESTERHAM Quebec Square (North Side) Quebec House TQ 4454 35/1444 10.9.54. 2. This property was aquired by Mr J B Learmong (sic) of Montreal and presented to the National Trust in 1917. General James Wolfe lived here during his early years. It is now open to the public on certain days and contains a small museum. Core of house said to be of 1511 but present exterior largely mid C17. Entrance front was altered in C18 and rebuilt in modern times to match the older design. Square house, each side 2 storeys and attic, 3 bays crowned by 3 equal gables with moulded brick coping and small ball finials on steps. High pitched tiled roofs. On west side 2 projecting chimney stacks of brick and rubble stonework, each with 3 linked tall shafts, the middle one diagonal. Walls mainly of brick, with 1st and 2nd floor bands, brick-coped rubble plinth and some brick-dressed rubble masonry on ground floor. Square brick hoodmoulds to attic casements, some original. Other windows sashes wih glazing bars, some C18, some modern replacements; and reproduction Georgian central door and doorcase. Lead pump dated 1792 at back door. Inside much exposed timber. Front part of house is seen to be older, with Tudor work, including 2 stone fireplaces, panelling old beams and a mullioned window, now blocked, in former outside wall. Back part added in C17 remodelling. Mid C17 staircase with wainscoting and chimney-piece of similar date, and some fireplace surrounds. Circa 1700 panelling in downstairs back room. (2) Quebec House was presented to the National Trust in 1918 by Mrs Learmont, as executrix of her husband's will. Full account of Quebec House and its owners. (3) Quebec House. Such a square brick block, three storeys high and with three gables a side, must be early 17th century. The brick hoods of the gable windows, ironed flat as it were, give the date away. The windows otherwise all altered a hundred years later. The gables to the road modern, but no doubt correct. Inside, re-used 16th century fireplaces and a sturdy mid 17th century staircase; but there must have been a drastic re-arrangement of the plan. (4) Brief description of house and its association with James Wolfe. (5) Additional bibliography - not consulted. (6)

Dendrochronology dating of the staircase gave a date range of 1620-1652. (7)

English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.

<1> OS 1:2500 1971 (OS Card Reference). SKE48213.

<2> DOE(HHR) Dist of Sevenoaks R.D. Kent Jan 1975 380 (OS Card Reference). SKE41017.

<3> Nat Trust Guide, Quebec House Westerham undated 6 1971 (OS Card Reference). SKE47513.

<4> Bldgs of Eng W Kent and the Weald 1980 596 (J Newman) (OS Card Reference). SKE38023.

<5> Nat Trust Guide 1977 175 illus (R Fedden and J Joekes) (OS Card Reference). SKE47510.

<6> Quebec House permanent advisory committee Wolfe portraiture and genealogy 1959 (OS Card Reference). SKE48906.

<7> Vernacular Architecture Group, ADS Dendrochronology Database, Vol. 41, Pg. 84 (Website). SKE17391.

Sources and further reading