Rye Castle Museum has two sites: the Ypres Tower and East Street -
The Ypres Tower is one of the oldest buildings in Rye, being built in 1249 as part of the town's defences. The Tower has had a chequered history and as you look round the inside you can see those changes in the blocked windows and doorways. From the balcony you can look over what in the C16th was the seventh busiest port in the country (now farmland).
In one cell there is medieval pottery made in Rye, reflecting the prosperity of the town and also the skills brought from France, when the town was part of the lands belonging to the Abbey of Fecamp, in Normandy. You can also view a very rare smuggler's spout lantern, which allowed smugglers to signal to ships without being seen by the Excisemen ashore. There is a relief map which shows the development of the coastline over the last thousand years and how the Romans were able to sail over the area now known as the Romney Marsh at high tide and how, by Elizabethan times the navigable area was far smaller and limited to Rye.
The basement has changing exhibitions that appeal to children of all ages. At present there is an exhibition of replica medieval weapons which you can hold and thereby feel their weight. There are examples of armour and also helmets you
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Every effort is made to make sure that all the information is correct but we strongly recommend that you call Rye Castle Museum before you set off on your day out to confirm opening times and admission prices.
Please also note that the position on Google maps for Rye Castle Museum is a rough estimate using their postcode in the database and might be slightly out.
It may also be worth clicking the web link for Rye Castle Museum to see if there are any special events coming up or currently on.
Camber Castle