Small Hythe, 1902

Photo ref: 49083

More about this scene

Small Hythe was a harbour as late as the 16th century, when the sea came up this far from Rye. The long and spruce black and white cottage we see here was home to the harbourmaster. It was built as long ago as 1480; more recently, in 1919 it became the home of the actress Ellen Terry. Today it is a National Trust Memorial to Miss Terry. A collection of memorabilia was gathered in the kitchen, including Garrick's stool, a girdle once owned by Sarah Bernhardt and a variety of playbills from Ellen?Terry's performances in theatres all over Britain. Beyond the house, on the right, we can just glimpse a chapel.

An extract from Villages of Kent Photographic Memories.