Rye Castle Museum

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Rye Castle Museum has two sites. The main site is situated in East Street and houses changing exhibitions concerning different aspect of Rye life. Among the many exhibits are wooden mosaics, Rye pottery and Rye’s Old fire engine, built in 1745 and in use until 1865.
The second site is the Ypres Tower, believed to have been built in approximately 1249. The Tower has had many roles in its history from a fortification to protect the town, to a private dwelling, a prison and a mortuary. It is the oldest building open to the public in Rye. The balcony offers wonderful views of Romney Marsh, and the surrounding countryside.
Today the Ypres Tower houses exhibits from the Rye Museum which includes pottery, and the Millennium Embroidery. The basement has much to appeal to children of all ages – armour and helmets to try, a Captain Pugwash Treasure Hunt and a chance to test a medieval long bow.
An attractive garden, a reconstruction of a 15th century pleasure garden, lies hidden behind the Ypres Castle. The garden features important herbs of both culinary and medical importance to the period.
Opening Times for Summer 2010
1st April: beginning of the new season at Rye Museum.
Ypres Tower open 7 days a week and from 10.30 to 5.00 (last entry 4.30).
East Street open every weekend and Bank Holidays 10.30 to 1.00 and 2.00 to 5.00 (last entry 4.30).
Special arrangements can be made to open during the week on application to Rye Museum: 01797 226728, or info@ryemuseum.co.uk