Welcome to Historic Rye

Welcome to Historic Rye. . Perched on a hill, the medieval town of Rye is the sort of place you thought existed only in your imagination. Almost suspended in time, Rye's unhurried atmosphere and enchanting streets draw visitors with their warm welcome., Rye is an ancient hilltop town rising like an island out of the flat expanse of Romney Marsh. A thousand years ago the settlement was almost completely surrounded by seas, a rocky island site jutting out from the mainland. Over the centuries, silt and shingle built up leaving Rye stranded two miles inland., In 1336, due to its important coastal location Rye was made an Ancient Town of the Cinque Ports. This Confederation of fortified ports was charged with supplying ships and men to form the Royal Fleet to defend the English coast., Despite this in the great French raid of 1377, Rye was nearly destroyed by fire and only a few stone buildings survived, some of which can still be seen today., Today, Rye is a more peaceful town, home to many writers and artists inspired by the town's dramatic history and its many fine buildings. You can admire their work in the galleries and craft shops and stop for refreshment in one of the many restaurants, tea shops and pubs. Or why not stay overnight in a charming guest house or hotel in and around Rye., Ypres Tower and Museum , Constructed in stone between the mid 13th century and mid to late 30th century to fortify the town against French attack, it was one of the few buildings to survive the fateful raid in 1377 when almost all of the timber buildings were burnt down. It has subsequently been used as a private residence, a prison, the courthouse, mortuary and is now part of the town's local history museum. You can also visit the museum in East Street for more history of Rye., Rye Heritage Centre , Rye Heritage Centre is the home of The Story Of Rye-a 15-minute sound and light show featuring the famous Rye Town Model will guide you through the cobbled streets and hidden passages of Rye and through centuries of the town's history. The perfect starting point to your visit., The Landgate , Of the town's original four gates, the Landgate only remains. Built in the early 14th century the Landgate formed part of the towns stone walled defences. During high tide the seas surrounded three sides of Rye and the only access to the town was through this fortified gate., Simmons Quay-Fishmarket , Simmons Quay is home to Rye's fishing fleet where colourful RX registered boats moor along the River Rother and deliver fresh fish to Rye Fishmarket., Strand Quay , Today Strand Quay is busy with yachts from all around the world sailing up from the sea. Long ago, before the sea retreated, this was the centre of a thriving medieval port holding up to two hundred ships. The tall black wooden buildings alongside are old warehouses, reminders of the trade that used to go on.