Rye

Rye is a small town in East Sussex. During medieval times it was surrounded by sea but now stands approximately two miles from the coast and is at the confluence of three rivers, the Rother, the Brede and the Tillingham.


With its winding cobbled streets and wide range of antique shops, art galleries and cafes, it is a magnet for tourists visiting this historic area.

The oldest part of the town is higher than the rest of the town in the medieval citadel.










Built in the early 14th century this is the second oldest building in Rye (the oldest being St Mary's Church). Known also as Ypres Tower, the building began life as a defensive fort then a private home, prison, mortuary and now a museum.



From the balcony of the castle you look out over farmland but this used to be one of the largest and most important harbours in the country. In the 16th century it was England's seventh busiest port.

Not far from the castle is St Mary's church.



The square around the church has a number of Tudor buildings and seems little has changed over the centuries.

The stocks used during medieval times as a form of punishment and humiliation.

The Mermaid Inn rebuilt in 1420 has cellars dating back to 1156.

Rye has been home to a number of writers and artists. This house was the home of the American novelist, Henry James who lived here between 1898 and 1916. It is now owned by The National Trust.

The house has a beautiful garden with this magnificent old mulberry tree which even had mulberries on it, which was a first for me.

There was no café but in the garden there was a walking stick with a buzzer attached to it. Press the buzzer and a gentleman, who lives here as a tenant of the National Trust, will gladly provide you with a pot of tea and cake for a reasonable charge.