please empty your brain below
'A three month siege culminated when James sneaked his army and two cannons up an unexpected cliff overnight,'

So James just happened to be carrying some cannons around along with an army, then someone points and shouts 'unexpected cliff', 'lucky I've got canons and an army of young ones - so I'm wired for sound' said James with a wink, 'we can go up there and defeat those French people'.

| 15.05.16 - 8:05 a.m. | #

Chartwell is one of the places I'm going today

RogerW | 15.05.16 - 10:34 a.m. | #

I think both sides knew perfectly well that the cliffs, known as the "Heights of Abraham", were there. What was unexpected (at leas by the French) was that the British should climb it.

I learned that story at my grandfather's knee, as he lived near the statue of Wolfe in Greenwich Park (he is buried in St Alfege's church)

timbo | 15.05.16 - 6:48 p.m. | #

Edit - Wolfe is buried in the church - grandpa was cremated!

timbo | 15.05.16 - 6:49 p.m. | #

The "famous painting" was by the America-born painter Benjamin West in 1770 - 11 years after Wolfe's death - and established West's reputation. It was also quite unusual (for the time) in showing a historical event in contemporary dress: until then, it would have been usual to classicise the costume, and show Wolfe as a Roman general. The original painting is owned by the National Gallery (of Canada).

Andrew | 15.05.16 - 8:38 p.m. | #

Interesting topic. I know little of the area, but recall being absorbed by the exploits of James Wolfe and co. whilst I was at primary school. Our young(ish) people confirm that they've "..never heard of him.."

More interesting that few have anything to say about it. Probably as a direct consequence of the recent navel-gazing re: comments!

dg writes: No, this is perfectly normal for a post about a minor attraction outside London.

Frank F | 15.05.16 - 8:39 p.m. | #

Westerham is now on our list for a day's pobble. Thanks DG.

Herbof | 15.05.16 - 10:39 p.m. | #

We went only a week or two before you, and the coach house was open. But it was not a full NT style tea place, mainly just cups of tea or coffee.

My impression of Wolfe was that he was really only famous after he died, when he became a huge celebrity.

(I was disturbed to read that both he and his opponent were shot in the fracas. I understand this can be very painful.)

Ian Brooker | 16.05.16 - 12:49 p.m. | #

It's lovely down there. Every time I go to Bromley, if I see a 246 I'm always tempted to hop on the bus and lose an afternoon down there.

The only sad thing is when you climb the hill behind the high street, you suddenly realise the racket the M25 makes...

Darryl | 16.05.16 - 12:56 p.m. | #

Doesn't the no-so-famous Nigel Farage live in Westerham too?

Karl. Dover | Homepage | 17.05.16 - 9:00 p.m. | #











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