The Story of Mrs Smith's Cottage

The Cottage, believed to have been built in two stages in the mid 1800's, is a simple brick building, typical of many other Lincolnshire homes built at the same time. However, due to Hilda Craven, born on October 28th 1892, a unique lady, who resisted what she believed to be unnecessary change, we have inherited a remarkable time capsule of a bygone age.

After spending her childhood in Navenby, Hilda moved out of the county, but returned to live in the cottage in the 1920's. She lived in the cottage, which she named Craven Cottage, until she was 102 years old. Hilda became Mrs Smith in 1956 at the age of 64. Hilda's husband Joseph moved into the cottage but sadly died less than 4 years later.

The Cottage still retains its original furniture and effects. Her rocking chair and shawl still remain in her favourite place by the range and her many pictures all help to tell the story of this remarkable lady.

Electricity was installed in the 1930's and the only other visible modern innovation is the coldwater tap, which was installed to prevent the local council condemning the Cottage in the late 1970's. However, the original outside privy and washouse can still be viewed along with the pretty Victorian style cottage garden.

The old pig sty and storage shed, sadly beyond repair, were demolished and many of the materials have been used to construct a purpose built Visitor Centre. This houses exhibitions on the cliff side village of Navenby, together with other exhibitions of local interest.