Home
Artists Gallery
Buy from Rye
Celebrate in Rye
Coastal & Rural
Creative Kids
Creative Leisure
Film Drama & Music
Food & Drink
Heritage Rye
Literary Rye
Visiting Rye
|
Heritage Rye
Rye's history can be traced back to before the Norman Conquest, when,
as a small fishing community, it was almost surrounded by water and lay
within the Manor of Rameslie. The sea has retreated and now lies two
miles from the town and sheep graze where the waves once broke on the
beach. Find more on the history of Rye see
www.visitrye.co.uk
|
Explore Rye's ancient town and historical buildings |
|
The word 'Rye' means 'island'. Today the town remains almost entirely
encircled by rivers - The Rother, Brede and Tillingham.
In the wake of the Norman Conquest the picturesque East Sussex town
was occupied by the French until 1247 when it was reclaimed by Henry
III. It was transformed into one of his heavily fortified Cinque Ports -
a series of safe harbours ringing this stretch of coastline that
repelled further attacks from across the Channel and consolidated
England's maritime powers.
|
 |
|
The town's compact medieval centre, with its famous cobbled
streets, is known as the Citadel. Here the remnants of Rye's ancient fortifications still stand, including Landgate
Arch, the Ypres Tower and a section of the original defence walls on
Cinque Port Street. Smuggling was an important industry for Rye
|
|
Visit the famous Mermaid Street |
|
Now Rye is a thriving market town, beautifully preserved, with a maze
of cobbled streets, including the famous Mermaid Street, crammed with
tiny medieval houses and elegant Georgian buildings. The cobbled streets
skirt the beautiful church of St Mary the Virgin.
|
See original
watercolours and prints
of local scenes by Colin Bailey, Rye Press |
|
A short drive from Rye and you can explore other historical sites: |
|
Scotney Castle |
|
A magnificent National Trust owned early Victorian
Country house with ruins of a 14th Century moated castle
plus 770 acres of parkland, a few miles drive from Rye.
See website for opening hours and cultural events.
|
 
|
|
Battle Abbey |
|
Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror. See the
field of Senlac where Harold was defeated, now marked by the
formidable Battle Abbey.
|
  |
|
Bodiam Castle |
|
Bodiam's exterior is virtually complete and the remaining
walls inside give you an impression of castle life.
See
National Trust site for opening times and location.
|
|
Visit Romney Marshes - see Church Tours above |
|
Smuggling and Rye are inextricably linked. As an important Cinque
Port, Rye smugglers were treated with leniency. Russell Thorndyke
Dr Syn books were based on smuggling in
Romney. See
Dr Syn books
|
|
|
Rye Heritage Centre |
|
Rye's Historical Walking Tour. Rye Heritage Centre, Strand
Quay. see www.visitrye.co.uk
|
|
St Mary the Virgin church |
 |
|
Climb to the top of St Mary's - a 900-year-old church and
enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and sea. See the "Quarter
Boys" and the long clock pendulum.
|
|
Rye Castle Museum |
|
The Museum has 2 sites. The Ypres tower built in 1249 as part
of the town's defences is the oldest building in Rye. The Museum
was once a prison site and mortuary. Open to the public,
see website
for details
|
|
Camber Castle |
|
Henry VIII's castle, dating from 1539, is now a romantic
ruin. It is located a mile from Rye, along footpaths surrounded
by ditches, sheep and birds. Open July to September. For
events and guided walks see
www.wildrye.info
|
 
|
|
|
|
The Cinque Ports |
Find out more about the Cinque Ports in
The Cinque Ports of Kent and Sussex |
|
