The arrival of the railway captured much sea trade. The first railway to Rye was a single track line, carrying the Lord Mayor of London on a visit to Rye in May 1850. The railway was finally opened to the public in 1852.

In 1851 a swing bridge to take the railway was completed across the River Rother permitting access to the Upper Rother. In 1903 this was replaced by a fixed bridge.

Rye River Barges were manoeuvred within the confines of the river, through sluice gates and amongst shipping, by the use of a ‘quant’ pole. The pole was placed in the river bed by a bargee standing at the bow of the barge facing the stern. The bargee then pushed the po1e, at the same time walking along the barge, until he arrived at the stern. This operation was repeated as required sometimes over long distances. If the wind was sufficient barges could sail on the river and along the Royal Military Canal.

Arriving at a bridge when water levels were high, the barge’s mast was easily lowered to allow the barge to glide under. The barges carried coal to the villages along the river valleys and returned carrying local bricks. In 1864, the river mouth was straightened and by 1870 shipping had increased requiring more moorings. A steam tug, the ‘Erin’, was acquired to carry out towage of shipping.

Trade improved when shingle needed for building concrete blocks at Dover Harbour was carried along the coast by ships from Rye. Large concrete blocks were also manufactured at Tram Road, Rye Harbour for the Dover Harbour piers. The blocks were transported by rail to a jetty close to the present Lifeboat House.

A number of these blocks still remain at Rye Harbour having been used as a groyne to arrest the accumulation of shingle at the river mouth, situated at that time by Lime Kiln Cottage.

By the late 1800’s Rye was a thriving seaport with shipyards, sail lofts, Pilotage, Customs, Chandlery and warehouses. In the 1880’s and 90’s J.S. Vidler (Mayor and Chairman of the Commissioners) and Friends ordered a Fleet of ketch rigged barges of about 230 tons to keep Rye coasting trade alive. These were constructed in local Rye shipyards.

In 1893 the power of the Harbour Master was strengthened by 16 Byelaws, displayed on Strand Quay. Sailing ships of all kinds could be seen at the quay and by 1900 there were several steam trawlers.