Discover Rye, East Sussex

Strand Quay, Rye, East Sussex: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strand_Court_in_Rye,_East_Sussex.jpg
Author: Julie Anne Workman


Rye is a small town in the district of Rother, in the eastern part of East Sussex, England. It sitx at the confluence of three rivers, the Rother, the Tillingham and the Brede, about two miles from the coast. The town has a population of around 4,000 people (2012 estimate).

The Old Bell Inn, Rye: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Old_Bell_Rye.jpg
Author: Tony Hisgett


Rye probably dates back to the Norman period, as its name is believed to have been derived from "la Rie" meaning "bank" in French. It became one of the ports of the Cinque Ports Confederation in 1189, bringing it trade as well as protection. Rye was under Norman control until 1247. Two years later, the Baddings Tower was built to defend it from the French. The tower was later renamed Ypres Tower, after its owner John de Ypres.

Rye was one of the finest of the Cinque Ports, though its position declined over time when bigger ships were that require deepwater ports were built. By the 14th century, as its fortunes waned, Rye turned to the illicit trade, particularly the smuggling of wool. Smuggling was of course a criminal activity, and those caught were hanged, among them members of the Hawkhurst Gang.

This colorful chapters to Rye's history help it in the 21th century, as the town turns to tourism to support its economy. The town holds a farmer's market every Wednesday on Strand Quay.

Rye Landgate: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rye_Landgate_-_geograph.org.uk_-_643.jpg
Author: Alan Simkins

Visiting Rye

From London, take the M20 motorway until Ashford. From Exit 10, continue on the A2070 road until the Brenzett Roundabout. Continue on the A259 road (Straight Lane) until Rye.

Places of Interest in Rye

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About this website

Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.

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