Quebec House

Posted on 24th October 2022 by Heritage Open Days

This beautiful Georgian house was invaded by giant (knitted) bugs as part of an expanded visitor offer for the festival this year. Working in partnership with the local Westerham Society and also with other National Trust colleagues tested the team's planning and resources but helped bring in a new audience.

© Vicki Marsland - On loan from another NT property specially for a pop up Conservation Station - 'The knitted pests were a great resource, and we wish we could keep them!'

Claire Vincent - Senior Volunteering & Community Officer, Quebec House, National Trust, Kent

Why we take part

It's a great opportunity to engage with a new audience, encourage membership, and introduce them to heritage and conservation.

Side view of brick manor house overlooking a green lawn

Quebec House has taken part in the festival for years. / © National Trust Images - Nick Dougan

What we do for HODs

Take a step back to the Georgian era and discover the family home of General James Wolfe, victor of the Battle of Quebec. Explore life in the 1730s and then meet the specialists defending his house from bugs today! (2022 Event directory description)

Old photograph of a town square with a central statue. A few old cars and wagons on the road surrounding it.

A new trail took visitors around Westerham / © National Trust in partnership with Westerham Society

Working in partnership

This year we worked with Westerham Society (a local history and heritage group) to develop a trail of Westerham in which Quebec House is a key property. Later in the planning we were approached by our regional team of conservators to host a ‘Conservation Station’ as an extra part of the event. 

“Visitors didn’t seem to mind that pests had taken over the Parlour, enjoyed seeing ghoulish beetles under magnification and appreciated hearing tips on what they can do to help combat clothes moth.” Conservator, Vicki Marsland

The difference it's made

  • An opportunity for a small property to shine, locally as well as through the spotlight our regional conservators gave the property.
  • Increased engagement with the local community particularly working with Westerham Society on the trail and through the removal of the barrier that the entrance fee presents.
  • We have extended the Westerham town trail as it was well received and has continued to be so; this has brought an added visitor offer to the property.
  • The concept of a Conservation Station was new to some of the team which opens up the potential for other events or properties at which we work. 

Side view of two conservators talking to visitors across a table laid out with conservation information in a wood panelled room hung with pictures

Meet the experts at a conservation station, exploring how houses and collections are cared for / © Beth Walker

Ghazala's Top Tip!

(Ghazala Jabeen, Collection & House Officer, Quebec House)

Take the opportunity as you never know who might visit your property and what you might learn that is useful for your own property.

Inspired? Find out more...