A piece of Coventry's theatrical heritage is returning to the city centre, as a marble foundation stone laid by one of Britain's greatest Shakespearean actresses finds a new home.
From Coventry to International Stardom
Dame Ellen Terry, born on Market Street in Coventry in 1847, rose from her theatrical family to become a Victorian stage icon. Her career spanned an incredible seven decades, and her celebrated professional partnership with Sir Henry Irving saw them tour productions internationally. In a symbolic homecoming in 1906, Terry returned to Coventry to lay the foundation stone for the Empire Theatre, located just around the corner from her birthplace near Broadgate.
The Stone's Journey and a New Exhibition
When the Empire Theatre closed in the 1970s, the stone was rescued by Alderman Harry Weston, President of the Criterion Theatre, where it was displayed for decades. Following recent redevelopment work at the Criterion, the stone has now been gifted to Coventry University. The university already honours the actress through the Ellen Terry Building, a hub for arts students including those on the Acting for Stage and Screen degree.
The foundation stone will be the centrepiece of a new exhibition at the university's Lanchester Library. The exhibition launches on a significant date: 27 February 2026, the 179th anniversary of Ellen Terry's birth. It will showcase rare items from the university's archives, including prints, historic theatre programmes, and donations from Honorary Life Fellow Celia Fitzhugh and actress Tina Gray, known for her one-woman play about Terry.
Reclaiming a Cultural Pioneer for Coventry
Paul Nolan, from Coventry University Archives and Special Collections, stated the university is proud to bring Ellen Terry's story back to the heart of the city. "Ellen was one of the first female actors to achieve true celebrity status in Victorian Britain," he said. "She was born here in Coventry, yet many people don't realise her incredible legacy."
Nolan hopes the exhibition will raise her profile, celebrate her local connection, and spark plans for future commemorations, including the 180th anniversary of her birth in 2027 and the centenary of her death in 2028. His vision includes potential collaborations with institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Trust's Smallhythe Place, Terry's former home.
Keith Railton, President of the Criterion Theatre, explained the move: "During preparatory work for improvements to our venue, it became necessary to remove the wall that held the Ellen Terry stone. This presented a fitting opportunity to relocate the stone closer to its original site. We are delighted Coventry University has accepted our offer regarding its new home."
