In 1514 there was a devastating fire that swept through Smallhythe and this 'Farmhouse' was constructed following that disaster, probably in the early to mid-1500's. Although I refer to the building as a 'Farmhouse', for that is the way it has been known in recent times, it was originally the Customs House for this area which was a thriving Port in the 16th Century until the channel silted up in the 17th Century.

Dame Ellen Terry(1847 - 1928), originally from Coventry, purchased Smallhythe Place in 1899. The property is presently run by The National Trust having been given to The Trust by the daughter of Dame Ellen, Miss Edith Craig, in 1939.

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