NHER 2888 (Building record) - Quebec Hall

Quebec Hall.

July 1978. Visit.
Built soon after 1759 (hence the name). Originally cruciform with corners chamfered (see print in (S1)), but only one part of this remains, on the north side of the east wing. The building was 'squared up' not long afterwards, and in the early 19th century a 'Gothic' porch tower (but with sash windows) on the west and a castellated extension and terrace on the south were added in red brick (the older parts being plastered); all windows were given hoodmoulds. The building is now an old people's home, and is in excellent condition. Note that the North Lodge at TF 9838 1473, though of no architectural interest, is built of carstone which is remarkable for this area of Norfolk.
E. Rose (NAU), 5 July 1978.

The house was built by Samuel Rash of Shipdham and said to have been named in honour of his patron, Lord Townsend. The local legend that the trees in the park mirror the disposition of troops at the Battle of Quebec is almost certainly untrue (see NHER 33468), and occurs in many places in England. The later reconstruction was by Lee-Warner.
It was originally called Quebec Castle. Armstrong in his diary for 16 October 1876 states that the building began as a public house but this may be a misunderstanding of the fact that Rash owned the brewery that gave its name to Rash's Green. Stripping of external plaster from some areas in 1997 indicates that some of the plastered sections are part of Lee-Warner's additions.
E. Rose (NLA), 19 September 1997.

However it would seem Armstrong was correct for (S2) reproduces an advertisement in the Norwich Mercury for 14 June 1766 referring to Quebec Castle, a newly erected inn at Dereham with a prospect of 20 miles including thirty church towers and mansions, also the spire of Norwich Cathedral! The owner at this time was called Alexander Kennedy. It is known Rash leased out the property. But was there some sort of gazebo to make such a view possible?
For further information on the park see NHER 33468.
E. Rose (NLA), 19 September 2000.