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Clustered around the top of a little sandstone hill, the Ancient Town of Rye has watched over the Romney Marsh, guarding the coast from foreign invasion for centuries. Originally granted to the Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy in 1027, Rye was finally reclaimed by Henry III in 1247 in exchange for other lands. The town then entered the confederacy of the Cinque Ports, becoming a full Head Port in the 14th Century. 13th Century storms had changed to shoreline to form a large, safe harbour which encouraged a great increase in shipping. Today, trawlers still line the fisherman's quay while boats from around the world shelter in the yacht basin.

Rye survived frequent attacks from the French - a few stone buildings still bear witness to the burning of 1377. The 16th Century saw Rye reach the zenith if her power. Every kind of cargo was handled at Strand Quay and records show that 200 ships could anchor near the Strand Gate.

Rye's fortunes waned from the late 16th Century as the harbour slowly silted up, then waxed again during the Civil War as a staunch Puritan stronghold. 1773 saw a visit from John Wesley, who found the population "willing to hear the good word," but refusing to "part with the accursed thing, smuggling." By the 18th Century, however, Rye's prosperity depended as much on smuggling as any legitimate trade.

The curious appeal of Rye is that, unlike other towns that take you back to the past, Rye brings foregone ages into the present. Today, Rye is not so much a living museum as a flourishing market town whose rich history is very much in evidence. Wonderful houses and shops from every period jostle together along the narrow streets.

A day in Rye is hardly enough to enjoy the delights of the town. As the bustling summer days of markets and fayres slow to peaceful, rose scented evenings, so the sparkling winter days lead to nights of open fires and cosy nooks. A place to visit in all seasons, Rye is indeed a town to hold in quiet and peaceful enjoyment.

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