Rye Heritage Centre unveiled its latest exhibition at the weekend, a brand-new multi-media show marking the town’s rich smuggling history. Crowds gathered as actors dressed as smugglers filled the centre on Good Friday March 29.
The new exhibit has been in planning for over three years, the launch delayed by the late arrival of vital technology held up in the shipping chaos caused by the war in Ukraine. Five computers play out recordings and re-enactments filmed on the beach at Camber and at Camber Castle.
For Simon Parsons, manager of Rye Heritage Centre, the “Smuggler’s Attic” upstairs at the tourist attraction is another way of bringing Rye’s history to life for locals and tourists. “It’s fun and light hearted, but it tells the story in a creative way. It’s another example of how the Rye Heritage Centre is developing after the challenging months repairing the town model. I really hope people come and have a look.”
The new exhibit is free to watch, although donations are always welcome. It was officially opened by town crier Paul Goring and Judith Blincow, owner of The Mermaid Inn famous for its own smuggling history. “All our rooms are named after smugglers and in every room you’ll find details of Rye Heritage Centre. Everything that adds another attraction to the town is good for all of us.”
The actors dressed as smugglers describe themselves as a group of scaddles, an old Sussex word for rogues. Organiser and author Nils Nisse Visser says he enjoys re-enacting smugglers stories as a way of paying homage to our history. “People think as smugglers as being violent criminals, and of course many were, especially the Hawkhurst gang who played a big part in Rye’s history. Actually most were community minded and very much supported by the whole community.”
The “Smuggler’s Attic” is now open at Rye Heritage Centre.
Image Credits: James Stewart .