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Rye

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Rye, Market town in East Sussex, England.

Description

Rye is a market town in Rother, East Sussex, England, sitting on a hill above flat marshland. Streets climb toward the church and timber-framed houses lean against one another along winding lanes that lead to the central square.

History

Edward I granted the town Cinque Port status in the 13th century to strengthen coastal defense. As the sea retreated and silt filled the harbor, the town lost its military role and became an inland trading post.

Culture

The name comes from Old English meaning "at the island", referring to its former position when water surrounded the hill. Local festivals often feature maritime themes that recall the centuries when fishing boats crowded the wharves.

Practical

A walk through the old town takes about two hours and includes steep cobbled sections that become slippery when wet. Comfortable shoes with good grip help when navigating the uneven surfaces and narrow staircases between levels.

Did you know?

St. Mary's Church houses one of the oldest functioning turret clocks in England, mechanically operated since 1561. Visitors can climb the tower and watch the clockwork in action as the bells ring out over the rooftops.

Location
Address
Rye, UK
GPS coordinates
50.95000,0.73333
Latest update
January 8, 2026 15:53

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Rother).

Sussex: coasts, castles and villages in the south of England

Sussex extends along the south coast of England, between London and the Channel. This area has different types of scenery: white chalk cliffs that rise above the sea, gentle hills of the South Downs, old forests, and valleys with quiet rivers. There are seaside towns such as Brighton and Eastbourne,...

« Rye - Market town in East Sussex, England » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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