28/08/2026
🌎 What connects this monument at Stowe with events more than 3,000 miles away in Canada?
Standing high in the parkland at Stowe, Wolfe’s Obelisk commemorates Major-General James Wolfe. But the story behind it takes us across the Atlantic to Québec City and events that would help shape the future of Canada.
In 1759, Britain and France were fighting the Seven Years’ War, a conflict that stretched far beyond Europe. In North America, Wolfe led British forces in a campaign to capture the French stronghold of Québec.
After more than two months of siege, British troops landed beneath the cliffs outside the city during the night of 12 September. They climbed to the heights above and, the following morning, faced the French army commanded by the Marquis de Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham.
The battle itself lasted less than half an hour. The British were victorious, but remarkably, neither commander survived. Wolfe died from his wounds on the battlefield, while Montcalm died the following day.
Québec surrendered five days later, and the battle became a major turning point in the struggle between Britain and France for control of North America.
So, where does Stowe fit into the story?
Wolfe was a friend of Earl Temple and is recorded as having dined with him at Stowe the night before leaving for Canada. Following Wolfe’s victory and death, the obelisk in Stowe’s parkland was dedicated to his memory.
More than 250 years later, one of our volunteers discovered reminders of the same story while visiting Québec City.
Look closely at the magnificent Québec Parliament Building and you’ll find Wolfe represented on its façade. Beside him stands his former adversary, Montcalm. Two opposing commanders who lost their lives as a result of the same battle, now remembered side by side.
And our volunteer found an even more personal connection at Québec City’s Musée de la civilisation: an armchair dating from around 1759 which is said to have been used by Wolfe when he came to Québec.
It’s fascinating to think that Wolfe’s Obelisk, standing quietly in the Stowe landscape, connects us with people, places and events on the other side of the Atlantic more than 250 years ago.
A huge thank you to our volunteer for spotting these Stowe connections on his travels and sharing his photographs with us.
Musée de la civilisation | Plaines d'Abraham | Ville de Québec | Québec cité | National Trust - Stowe
