After all the planning the Malcolm Saville Society was thrilled that the unveiling of the blue plaque at the Hope Anchor Hotel went off so smoothly on Saturday February 11.
It is indeed fitting that the author should be honoured in this way as he was such a supporter of Rye and based many of his books on the town and its environs. His love of Rye is a constant theme throughout his works, especially The Gay Dolphin Inn (The Hope Anchor Hotel)
The morning began with Paul Goring, Rye’s Town Crier, giving his cry:
“Oyez Oyez Oyez! Be it known – today we honour the writings of the famed author, Malcolm Saville, creator of The Lone Pine Club, and his deep connections to Rye. In his many books set in Rye, the old smugglers’ inn, The Gay Dolphin, is a regular location, and today The Malcolm Saville Society is proud to unveil a plaque to his memory on The Gay Dolphin itself – The historic Hope Anchor Hotel. The plaque will be unveiled by Malcolm’s daughter-in-law, Mrs Pippa Saville, who now resides in the town which he loved so deeply.
On behalf of The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Rye, and his wise council, we welcome this plaque and thank the Malcolm Saville Society for keeping this Rye author’s memory alive.
May God bless Old England and the ‘Antient Town’ of Rye; and may God Save The King!”
Pam Kirkland, joint chair of the society, thanked all those involved especially Pippa Saville, Malcolm’s daughter-in-law, who lives in Rye and was unveiling the plaque. Pippa told the assembled crowd that she had such happy memories of Malcolm taking her to see and explore the different places in Rye that had featured in his books including a hidden tunnel which has now been bricked up.
Chris George, the Manager of the Hope Anchor Hotel commented:
“When the Malcolm Saville Society approached us to display a plaque detailing the site of ‘The Gay Dolphin’ on our hotel we were delighted. We’re proud to commemorate his series of books and association with Rye. It’s a pleasure and an honour to be recognised as the actual location of ‘The Gay Dolphin’ and we will always hold dear the association.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .