Ellen Terry - Actress

Ellen Terry was a famous Victorian Actress, a doyenne of Shakespearean drama whose career spanned 65 years.  She purchased Smallhythe Place, thought to date from the 16th century, in 1900 and lived there until her death in 1928. 

Her daughter Edith (Edy) Craig, who lived next door in the Priest's House with her partners dramatist Christabel Marshall (Christopher St John) and the artist Clare (Tony) Atwood, transformed the house into a memorial museum to commemorate her mother's remarkable life and career. 

Today it is in the care of the National Trust, and as one of its smaller properties, provided Mum and I an very peaceful and relaxing visit. The un-forcasted sunny spring day also helped!

This little set of tablets on Ellen's dressing table took my eye.  The extras show the house and a rich stained glass window in the nearby church where her funeral was held.