The History of Smallhythe Place
The origins of Smallhythe Place reach back to the 16th century, embodied in its half-timbered structure. Long before the house became a domestic residence, the surrounding area functioned as a significant shipbuilding centre. From the 13th to the mid-16th century, the site was a busy port. At the height of this maritime activity, the community comprised approximately 200 people. The local economy relied upon the construction of vessels, and the area was a vital hub for shipbuilding during this period.
The house later became the home of the Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry. She resided within these walls from 1899 until her death in 1928. Her presence left a lasting imprint on the property, transforming the space from a private dwelling into a site of theatrical significance. The house remains a physical connection to her life and her long career on the stage.
The Architecture and Grounds
The 16th-century half-timbered house possesses a weight and presence that defines the site. Its timbered structure remains a central feature of the landscape, offering a sense of permanence. Nearby, the 17th-century Barn Theatre provides a distinct architectural counterpoint, having been converted from its original agricultural purpose to host live performances. The building's history is tied to the evolution of the property from a private residence to a space for theatrical life.
The gardens are composed of a compact, typically English cottage style. Flowering borders and a traditional rose garden provide seasonal color, while an orchard contains over 30 varieties of apple trees. A nuttery and several ponds further define the layout of the grounds. Within this greenery, the protected great crested newt finds a habitat among the ponds and lush vegetation. The landscape retains a sense of quietude, particularly in the areas where wildflowers and blossoms emerge in the spring and summer.
The Ellen Terry Museum Collection
The museum within this house was curated by Edy Craig, the daughter of Ellen Terry. It holds over 9,500 artefacts gathered from the actress's life and professional career. The arrangement of the rooms remains largely unchanged from the original layout established by Edy Craig, preserving the atmosphere of the home as it was during her mother's residence. This continuity allows the personal history of the family to remain present within the domestic spaces.
Specific rooms are dedicated to the study of her life, including a Library and a Costume Room. Among the most notable items on display is the celebrated Beetle Wing Dress. The collection offers a sense of the private and professional spheres that defined her existence. In 1939, Edy Craig gifted the property to the National Trust, ensuring the preservation of these belongings and the house itself.
The Barn Theatre and Performances
The 17th-century Barn Theatre exists as the National Trust's only working theatre. It was the brainchild of Edy Craig, who sought to transform the structure into a venue for performance. Following the passing of her mother, the first production took place in the space in 1929. Today, the theatre maintains its purpose through a diverse programme of productions held throughout the year.
Joanna Lumley OBE serves as the patron of the Barn Theatre. The space remains a site of active performance, hosting various plays within its historic walls. The seasonal schedule brings different works to the stage, ensuring the theatre continues its long-standing tradition of live performance.
