Rye Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rye Castle |
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| Part of the City of Rye | |
| East Sussex in England | |
The Ypres Tower
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 Rye Castle
Location in East Sussex
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| Coordinates | 50°56′59.35″N 0°44′8.11″E / 50.9498194°N 0.7355861°E |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Standing |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1249 |
| Built by | King Henry III |
| In use | 1249- |
Rye Castle, also known as Ypres Tower, is a very old building in Rye, East Sussex, England. It was built a long time ago, either in the 1200s or 1300s. Today, it is a special historic building and a protected ancient monument.
Contents
History of Rye Castle
Building the Castle
It's not totally clear exactly when Rye Castle was built. People talked about building a castle here as early as 1226 and 1249. In 1329, the town asked for "Murage" money. This was a special tax used to build and fix town walls and defenses. Work on the castle happened during the 1300s, especially after attacks from the French.
Rye became one of the important Cinque Ports. These were a group of coastal towns that helped defend England and also traded goods. The castle was first called "Baddings Tower."
Defending the Coast
Later, during the time of King Henry VIII, a new cannon area was built next to the castle. This was called the Gun Garden. It had cannons that looked out over the harbor. This area was made stronger when the Spanish Armada threatened England in 1588. It was also used during wars with France in the 1700s. By 1830, the Gun Garden still had 18 cannons ready to fire.
From Prison to Museum
Rye Castle was likely used as a prison. In 1430, it became the property of a person named John de Iprys. This is how it got its famous name, Ypres Tower. In the 1500s, it was definitely used as a prison and a courthouse. A full-time "gaoler," or prison guard, was hired in 1796.
Later, an exercise yard was added for prisoners. In 1837, a special prison area for women was built. The castle continued to be a prison until 1891. After that, it became the town's "morgue," a place where bodies were kept.
The tower was damaged during air raids in World War II. But don't worry, it has been carefully repaired and restored since then.
What the Castle Looks Like
Rye Castle is made of iron-stained sandstone, which gives it a unique color. It has three floors. The castle is shaped like a square, with round towers at each corner. The main door on the north side is protected by a "portcullis." This is a heavy, strong gate that can be lowered quickly to block the entrance.
Rye Castle Museum
Today, Ypres Tower is one of two places that make up the Rye Castle Museum. It's a great place to learn about the town's history.
Inside Ypres Tower
Inside the tower, you can see many interesting things. There are pieces of medieval pottery made right here in Rye. You can also see a beautiful embroidery that shows different parts of Rye's life and history. The museum has other old objects, fun activities, and maps of the town.
East Street Site
The other part of the museum is at the East Street Site. This building used to be a factory that bottled drinks. It opened as part of the museum in 1999. Here, you can explore exhibits about local history. You'll find old fire fighting equipment and learn how the sea moving away changed trade in Rye. There are also displays about maritime history, shipbuilding, old toys and games, and many photos. You can even see the town's official seals and ancient objects found by archaeologists.
