Rye

Rye

Rye is a picturesque little town draped over a small hill on the Sussex coast. Its historic streets have many a tale to tell, and much to see. Let go for a walk...
Meet me at the Old Borough Arms, at the Western end of the town, where I'll be sitting with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.  I'm not in this picture of course, as I'm behind the easel, painting it (16x12 inches, oil, 2020).

Centuries ago this would have been the shore that surrounded much of the town, but today the tide is two miles away at Rye Harbour. Now its surrounded by black weather-boarded antique shops and cafes, and lots of tourists.
Old Borough Arms
To the left of the cafe is a steep looking cobbled hill, with stunning old buildings on both sides, and yes that is where we are heading. The slope eases as we climb past the 'house with the seat', and the 'house with two front doors' - yes that is what they are called. We come to the 'house opposite', and opposite happens to be the Mermaid Inn (16x20 inches, oil, 2017) - a centuries old hostelry with a rich history of smuggling, but now a popular place for the rich and famous to stay.

Take a look inside, and if you haven't already had your fill, order a tea to sup as you feel all that history seeping from the oak beams.
Merwaid Inn
At the end of Mermaid Street we could head left down West Street (oil, 12x16 inches, 2020) and mingle with the shoppers in the high street, or we could turn right, passing Lamb House, before we get a glimpse of the church and a whole new set of historic buildings surrounding it.
West Street

Heading around the church on cobbled street we come to a row of beautiful old buildings that look especially good as the sun goes down and the street lights come on.


Lets keep heading East for now, and get a glimpse of Ypres Tower - an old stone tower that houses a museum and views across the Romney Marsh.

Church Street

Prints of all Rye paintings can be found at Redbubble.com

Back from a look around the Ypres Tower (or the pub by the same name tucked behind it), we stagger down the cobbles and around the church to a shady corner where three paths meet. Right at the junction and we head down Lion Street and back into the throng of the high street.


And there's still a little more to add to the tour when I've painted the next spot...

Lion Street
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