About

Thomas Smith was the inventor of the world famous Sussex Trug gardening basket back in 1829. His Trugs became famous when Queen Victoria noticed them at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and bought some personally for members of the royal household. Thomas was subsequently awarded Her Majesty’s Royal Warrant.

Our “Royal Sussex Trugs” are still made mainly in the time honoured fashion – by hand and in our own workshops here in Magham Down, Herstmonceux. Whilst visiting, customers are welcome to walk through the workshops and chat to the Craftsmen and apprentices. This way you will know from personal experience that we do actually make everything almost entirely by hand.

We also make the equally famous South Down Contemporary Trug here and sold these to the Crown Estate at Windsor for nearly 20 years

Our retail shop displays shapes and sizes of our Trugs that will not be found elsewhere offering a wide choice for all tastes and there are other crafts and gifts on offer, some made by our skilled Craftsmen. Our own branded biscuits, confectionery and preserves are also on sale.

All visitors will receive a very warm welcome at Thomas smith’s Trug Shop!

List of planned shows we will be attending https://www.sussextrugs.com/shows