Spring is finally in the air. And with the longer days and warmer weather comes the opening of Rye Castle Museum at 3 East Street on Saturday, March 30 after the winter closure. Rye Castle Museum has two sites – the Ypres Tower, open every day (except for December 24 and 25) and East Street which is open every Saturday and Sunday from March 30 to the end of October from 10:30 am until 4:30 pm.
The East Street site contains fascinating displays on many aspects of the history of Rye. There are examples of ceramics from the main potteries of Rye including Rye Pottery (see A history of Rye through museum objects- Rye Pottery plate), Iden Pottery and Cinque Ports Pottery. The story of hop farms and hop picking in the area is told through the museum’s collection of hop tokens, hop picking implements, including hop stilts, as well as photos and illustrations (see A history of Rye through museum objects- hop stilts).
Visitors can enjoy memories of their childhoods through the collection of children’s toys and the display on the much-loved Captain Pugwash written and illustrated by John Ryan who lived in Rye.
The importance of shipbuilding (see A history of Rye through museum objects – model of ketch Emily) fishing and sea trade in the history of Rye is reflected in displays that include model ships, shipbuilding tools and other maritime equipment. Among other displays there is a selection of clay pipes and pipe making moulds, intricate wood mosaic Tunbridge ware, and items that would have been sold in local shops.
The impressive 18th century fire engine used by the Rye volunteer fire brigade takes centre stage and the walls are covered with interesting views of Rye including the 18th century view of Rye by the School of Danckaertz showing the sea and marsh surrounding the town.
Visiting both the Ypres Tower (Rye Castle) and East Street is an excellent way to find out more about the history of our lovely town and well worth it for visitors and residents alike.
The museum is run mostly by volunteers who work as stewards at East Street, help to keep both sites clean, maintain the gardens and buildings, accession and care for the collections and take part in all the administrative areas that are needed to keep the museum running smoothly. A dedicated team of trustees, directors and volunteers help to fundraise, organise educational talks and social activities, and work to preserve not just the collection but also the fabric of the grade I listed Ypres Tower.
On Saturday, March 9 a delicious thank you lunch (prepared and served by director Jen Tomkinson and her husband David and daughter Charlotte) was held at East Street for volunteers, one of many social events that take place for members and volunteers throughout the year.
The museum is always looking for volunteers. If you think you can spare some time, especially at weekends in East Street, please contact Sarah Cooper, the office manager at info@ryemuseum.co.uk.
Image Credits: Rye Castle Museum , Heather Stevenson .
It is a marvellous museum. My favourite is the ‘Rye and Camber Tramways summer timetable’.
Mapp’s (colonel’s) route to his golfing days. And proof that there was an easy route to Camber from Rye.
Those were the days!