Rye Castle Museum is on two sites close to each other in the centre of the charming town of Rye in East Sussex. On our visit to the town we did not see inside the East Street Museum as that bit is only open at the weekends. However, we did visit Ypres Tower which is a fascinating building. It only costs £5 to go in. Because the volunteers are so enthusiastic and knowledgable it’s really a treat. The Tower is a Scheduled Monument which was built in the 13th century. Together with the Medieval Garden and the Women’s Tower it is collectively called Rye Castle.
Because of its strategic position historians reckon there has been a fortification on that site for thousands of years. Inside there are town maps, medieval artefacts and locally made pottery. As you would expect in an ancient building such as this, there are steep and uneven steps, low doorways and uneven floors so only the ground floor is accessible for wheelchairs.
From the top you look over what was once the most important harbour and a busy port. Inside there are various exhibits and the guides tell you all about them. Naturally there are cells from when the castle was a prison, but now one of them is called the Still Room. In the latter you can see how the plants and herbs from the medieval garden are used. A gardener in costume shows you how the plants were prepared for various purposes such as laundry , culinary and medicinal uses. In the basement there are examples of chainmail, armour, swords and costumes for children to try on.
In the early 18th century smuggling was rife in Rye with formidable smuggling gangs such as the Hawkhurst Gang. One fascinating object in the museum is the Spout Lantern which was designed to send a pinpoint light out to sea. Smuggling luxury goods such as silks, teas, tobacco and brandy became a widespread occupation when living conditions were harder and this became an alternative to poverty.
So, a trip to Rye is not complete without a visit to Rye Castle Museum where you will be made welcome by the friendly guides.
