History
We have many stories to tell
© NT Smallhythe Place
Step back in time
Smallhythe Place has had a varied history including medieval shipbuilding, the first Dame of the theatre, her family and the creation of the Barn Theatre.
The house through the years
Smallhythe Place has had a varied 500 year history from the early shipbuilding days. 250 years as working farm then 30 years as the home of Ellen Terry, and finally the theatrically important museum you see today.
Barn Theatre - A theatrical history
Over 80 years of theatrical history, the thatched barn built in the late 1600s houses an 80 seater theatre. We put on a full and varied programme of public shows and events from March to October.
Royal medieval shipyard
Smallhythe was one of the most significant shipyards in medieval England, between 13th to mid 16th centurys. Royal ships were built here for Henry VI and Henry VIII. Smallhythe is now landlocked 12 miles from the coast.
Dame Ellen Terry 1847 - 1928
Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry lead an extrordainary and unconventional life. She was the leading actress of her time with a career spanning 65 yrs. She married three times and had two illegitimate children.
Edith Ailsa Craig 1869 - 1847
Edith Craig was a prolific theatre director, producer, costumier and activist in the women's suffrage movement. She set up the museum at Smallhythe Place and converted the thatched barn as a memorial to her mother
Edward Gordon Craig 1872 - 1966
Edward Gordon Craig was an influential modernist theatre practitioner, actor, producer, director and scenic designer. Living a bohemian life style he had many prominent friends and at least 13 illegitimate children.