Rye is a small but beautiful town in East Sussex, England which has a colourful story and eventful past. Known as an attractive, historic English town, it feels much like a peaceful and quiet village away from the hustle and bustle of the city and modern civilisation. It is located in the south of England. Situated on a steep hill, this was once a very busy port in Great Britain.
Rye is only two miles from the sea and is visited by locals and tourists quite frequently. It looks like an island, but its appearance is deceptive, as three rivers meet here – the Rother, Tillingham and Brede.
This English town was once a centre of trade for the English Channel. Explore the old streets of the town along with the sandy beaches located nearby. If you want an idyllic weekend break, Rye is the place to be.
Reclaimed by Henry III in 1247, it was originally granted to the Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy in 1017. It used to be a busy port and an important milestone in the history of Rye was it gaining Cinque Ports affiliation. One of the most remarkable events in the history of Rye was the burning of the town by the French in 1377. This caused destruction to most of its timber buildings, and Rye being a busy port soon became a forgotten memory. Below follows details of some good places in Rye to visit.
Mermaid Street
One of the most picturesque streets in England, this cobbled lane is rich with elegant Georgian houses and timber-framed inns. With a long history to narrate, its past is laced with secret passages, fugitives, sieges and ghosts hence making it an enjoyable place to visit.
Address: Mermaid Street, Rye TN31 7EU
Mermaid Inn
The cellars of this building date back to 1156, a time when Rye had acquired its membership in the Cinque Ports. The French burnt the Mermaid in 1377, but it was restored in 1420 and established as a refuge for Jesuit priests. This is also the place where the Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers used to celebrate their successful smuggling.
Address: Mermaid Street, Rye TN31 7EY Phone: 01797 223065
Website: www.mermaidinn.com
Jeake’s House
This hotel dates from the late 16th century and is also on Mermaid Street. Samuel Jeake Junior, a successful wool merchant, built it as a storehouse. By the 20th century, it became the most famous haunt of a few literary figures like the poets TS Eliot and Conrad Aiken.
Address: Mermaid Street, Rye TN31 7ET Phone: 01797 222828
Website: www.jeakeshouse.com
Landgate Arch
During medieval times the town was defended by four huge gates. Only one remains now – Landgate or Northgate.
Grooves which blocked the passage once upon a time can be seen here. The northern side of Rye was defended by this gate, along with the heavier defences facing the sea.
Address: Landgate, Rye TN31 7LH
Ypres Tower
Once serving as a jail, this tower was built in the 13th century. The name of this tower comes from the name of a resident from the 15th century – John of Ypres.
This was is among the very few buildings which survived the destruction caused by the devastating French fire in 1377.
Address: 3 East Street, Rye TN31 7JY Phone: 01797 226728
Website: www.ryemuseum.co.uk/home/ypres-tower/
Gun Garden
Located just opposite Ypres Tower, this is a popular site for its Tudor gun emplacements, which were an integral part of the defences in Rye.
Address: 3 East Street, Rye TN31 7JY
Website: www.ryemuseum.co.uk/gun-garden
Rye Castle Museum
This museum is divided into two sites – one situated on East Street and the other occupies the interior of the famous Ypres Tower.
This museum speaks volumes about the colourful history of the area and displays historical objects, local crafts and various models of the town as a village over time. In addition, children love this place as they can dress up in armour.
Address: 3 East Street, Rye TN31 7JY Phone: 01797 226728
Website: www.ryemuseum.co.uk
St. Mary’s Church
This is another striking Norman building from the 12th century, standing at the crest of the hills. One of the most popular tourist attractions in this church is the clock from the 16th century, which boasts an 18-foot long pendulum. Finally, climb to the top to enjoy picturesque views of a beautiful landscape with waterways, marshes and fields.
Address: Church Square, Rye TN31 7HF Phone: 01797 224935
Website: www.ryeparishchurch.org.uk
Lamb House
Located just off Church Square, this is one of the area’s most attractive buildings and has a Georgian front. It was built in 1722 and George I has visited here. Furthermore, it was home to author Henry James who stayed here from 1897 to 1916 (the year he died).
Address: West Street, Rye TN31 7ES Phone: 01580 762334
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lamb-house
Camber Castle
Built in 1540 by Henry VIII, this castle was among his defence schemes. Long ago it stood at the sea edge; it now stands at a distance of 1 mile from the shore. While it was an important part of English heritage, this castle was abandoned in 1642. You can reach this beautiful place by walking for just a mile over the fields. The effort will certainly be worth it in the end!
Address: Rye TN31 7TD Phone: 01797 227784
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/camber-castle
In conclusion, many artists, musicians, celebrities and authors have called Rye a peaceful heaven on earth. Frequently visited by royalty, it received the title “Rye Royale” from Queen Elizabeth I in 1573, who stayed here for three days. An ideal place in England for a relaxing short break at the weekend or for a holiday of discovery!
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