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Heritage Open Days at Quebec House - Meet 'Mrs Wadham'

Discover the story of Mrs Wadham, Foundling Hospital matron, and her role in running the Westerham branch in the 18th century

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

When a branch of the London Foundling Hospital was established in Westerham in July 1760, Mrs Ann Wadham was tasked as its matron. Her role was to manage the branch, overseeing everything from the arrival of the children to the hiring of the staff.

Come along and meet 'Mrs Wadham' as she shares a fascinating insight into how children in the hospital were looked after and what happened when they were poorly.

For walks, talks and other events taking place as part of 'Our Place, Your Past', see other listings for Quebec House and Westerham.

Times

The basics

Booking number

Call 0344 249 1895

Accessibility

The main entrance to the property is along a gravel path. There are some steps on the ground floor of the house and in the garden. There is a handrail on the stairs to the first floor of the house. Part of the exhibition in the Coach House is upstairs.

Meeting point

Head to the front of the house on arrival.

Suitability for children

All welcome but the content will be geared towards adults.

What to bring and wear

Please dress for the weather.

Upcoming events

Heritage Open Days at Quebec House -Westerham - a stroll through time 

As part of the Heritage Open Days Festival, discover the changing, and occasionally not so changing, face of Westerham on a guided stroll around the town.

Event summary

on
16 Sep to 19 Sep 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 2 other dates or times

Heritage Open Days at Quebec House - Our Place, Your Past 

Discover the family home of James Wolfe, whose victory at the Battle of Quebec changed the course of history. In the Coach House, learn the story of the Westerham foundlings and uncover more about your own family history with Findmypast.

Event summary

on
16 Sep to 20 Sep 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00+ 4 other dates or times

The Story of the Westerham Foundlings - An Exhibition at Quebec House in collaboration with Coram 

Explore the fascinating story of the 18th century children left in the care of the Foundling Hospital. Discover the role of maternal love tokens, and see those created by school children of today.

Event summary

on
16 Sep to 20 Dec 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00+ 49 other dates or times

Heritage Open Days at Quebec House: How local history brings family stories to life 

Join findmypast.co.uk’s genealogist, Jen Baldwin, as she showcases how to get started with discovering your own family history, but how to add more than names and dates to the story. Part of Quebec House’s ‘Our Place, Your Past’ festival programme.

Event summary

on
17 Sep 2026
at 11:30 to 12:15