Alice Loxton Visits Penshurst Place

Alice Loxton is a young historian, writer and presenter. Over the years, she has worked with many organisations to bring history to mainstream audiences. Back in the summer, Alice along with the other judges visited Penshurst Place. Here, she tells us more about the history of the property and their collection.

Penshurst Place

Penshurst Place and Gardens, sits in the heart of Kent. The house was originally built in 1341 by Sir John de Pulteney. It is the ancestral family home of the Sidney family, who have been in permanent residence since 1552, making it one of the oldest family-owned estates in England. The Grade I listed building includes one of the few surviving medieval halls in England, alongside staterooms which house a wide variety of antiques and art of national and international significance.

The Toy Museum, originally a 19th carpenters’ workshop, now houses a fascinating collection of toys dating from the Georgian period onwards, many gathered by Yootha Rose, Royal Toy Maker, along with those from generations of the Sidney family.

The historic gardens and parkland of the Penshurst Place estate offers a rich mix of landscapes, complemented by the Porcupine Pantry Café and Gift Shop, Adventure Playground and Woodland Trail. The house and gardens are open daily to visitors and school groups, from late March through to early November, with reduced weekend only hours in February and March.

The Collection

The Toy Museum first opened in 1970 and has long been a much-loved part of the visitor experience, but in recent years it had begun to show its age. Last year, when its 55th anniversary was approaching, it was felt the time was right to reimagine the collection for the 21st century. An award from the National Heritage Lottery Fund supported new display cabinets, conservation work and improved accessibility, while the creativity and enthusiasm of the curatorial and learning teams drove an imaginative reinterpretation of the collection.

The core collection was retained, with conservation carried out on at risk objects, including the popular 1930s Drinking Bear. Consultation with visitors highlighted the importance of including toys recognisable to different generations. The displays now feature dolls and teddy bears from several generations of the Sidney family, alongside staff and community donations such as 1960s Subbuteo, 1970s Pippa Dolls and 1990s Nintendo. New interactive elements, including a train table, optical toys such as a phenakistoscope, and an 1980s-style Pacman arcade game, have helped create an engaging, playful and educational environment for visitors.

Clearly defined zones reflect both the breadth of the collection and visitor interests. Areas such as 'World of Imagination' explore changes in technology over time, from a 19th-century peep show to a 1950s View-Master with Disney slides. Research also uncovered significant local stories, including the manufacture of cricket bats and balls, the work of local craftsmen, and a connection between the estate carpenter’s family and the Titanic. These narratives are now embedded in the interpretation, encouraging multi-generational conversations at Penshurst.

Visitor and school consultations informed their inclusive approach. As such a creative women’s trail, BSL interpretation for selected objects, and a popular 'Lego on the Loose' trail were introduced. Unrestricted access was also provided with the installation of a lift, as well as objects being displayed at both floor and wheelchair height.

The collection now also supports learning. Toy Workshops for Key Stages 1 and 2 encourage object handling, creative play and exploration of topics such as materials, change, and local history. Inspired by the 19th-century Pollock’s Toy Theatre, they have also developed a cultural enrichment day for students up to GCSE level. Together, these initiatives have attracted new audiences and increased school visits by 80%, ensuring the collection remains relevant and resilient for the future.

The winner of this year's award will be announced this November. Stay tuned as we announce other shortlist contenders over the next few weeks.