Smallhythe Place near Tenterden was the home of Dame Ellen Terry, a famous Shakespearean actress during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Situated in the heart of the Weald of Kent, the house was built in the 16th Century, when Smallhythe was a busy port.
Ellen Terry bought Smallhythe Place in 1899, and lived here until her death in 1928, aged 81.
She was married three times and had two children Edith Craig and Edward Gordon Craig. When Ellen died her daughter founded the Ellen Terry Memorial Museum at Smallhythe Place. The Museum was taken over by The National Trust in 1947.
It is a beautiful House, inside and out with many of Ellen's belongings on show.
A painting of Ellen Terry entitled ' Choosing' painted by her first husband George Frederic Watts
The fireplace in the Terry Room, the frieze above the fire shows Ellen Terry in all the roles she played.
A beautiful work box, with Ivory and Bone sewing implements. I would love something like this!
Some of the many beautiful items on show in the house.
A corner of the Terry Room.
A lovely House :)
Looking out towards the Front Garden.
On the other side of the hall is the Dining Room, which was probably the kitchen when the house was first built.
More amazing items in the display cabinets.
Such a lovely fireplace, the setttle on the right has the date 1715 carved on it.
Ellen Terry loved cats, in front of the fireplace is this lovely mat :)
The next blog will show the upstairs of the building, including some of Ellen's costumes and the Theatre in the garden.
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