Westerham

In the main street and around the tiny green of this village stand a number of old buildings, including two coaching inns. The village is notable as the birthplace of General James Wolfe who was born here in 1727. He was the victor of the battle between the English and French at Quebec in 1759 in which he lost his life. Standing at the head of the green and dominating the main street is a bronze statue of him wielding his sword.

The parish church dates from the 13th to 15th centuries and has a three gabled east end and a squat tower. It has a rare spiral staircase leading up the tower, and painted on wood are the arms of Edward VI, also a rarity. There are some fine stained glass windows, including a memorial window to Wolfe by Burne-Jones. The font is 14th century and here Wolfe was baptised, as were two of Sir Winston Churchill’s grandchildren.