Aug 26
Late August News
Women’s Tower Project
Mayor Sam Souster and MP Michael Foster were among the guests
The original ;main Tower was built c 1249 and has served over the centuries as defence, watchtower, residence, court hall, gaol, mortuary–and now Museum, warm and dry at last. In 1837 an Act of Parliament called for better treatment of prisoners and Rye Corporation decided to build a Women’s Tower in the south-east corner of the Exercise Yard (now the Medieval Garden) to house women prisoners and their children.
The Women's Tower
Unfortunately this part of our Ancient Monument is also in need of re-roofing and other repairs before it can safely be opened to the public. After restoration under the guidance of English Heritage, visitors will be able to visit this second Tower as well as the main Tower and the Medieval Garden. It is planned to house displays there showing the life of Rye’s women and children in the past.
Asking advice from our medieval gardener
Guests at the Launch were able to spend time looking at new displays– the Millenium Embroidery depicting Rye’s townscape, Smuggling, the unique Still Room for herbs from the garden– and admiring the splendid views from the balcony. They also lingered in the Medieval Garden, learning about it from expert Val Gill (in medieval costume).
This is what the Women's Tower needs.....
Brian Hargreaves had drawn us a large picture of the Women’s Tower with each stone and brick numbered for sale and many took the opportunity to buy a brick (£10), a stone (£20), a castellation or a lintel (£25), a window (£35), the date stone (£40) and even the door (£40) for the restoration of the Women’s Tower. There were donations as well, a very special one being that of Priscilla Ryan, in memory of the town’s much-loved John Ryan, creator of Captain Pugwash. It was a wonderful start to the challenging task of raising the £74,000 needed.
If you too would like to be part of this project and have not received a leaflet providing details and a form, do visit either of the Rye Castle Museum sites or contact the Museum (01797-226728 or info@ryemuseum.co) You would have the satisfaction of knowing you had helped to save a special building of our town so it can not only be used by Ryers but also provide yet another attraction for visitors.
Coming to Rye
A travelling folk museum in miniature is coming to Rye for three days at the end of September! Simon Costin, collector and curator, is bringing a part of his folklore collection in a converted Castleton caravan whch will be outside the Ypres Tower from Friday afternoon, 25th September 2-5 p.m. and from 10:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, 26th and 27th Sepbember. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. The Ypres Tower and East Street Museums will be open as usual.
And that’s not all! Simon will give a talk on Folklore and show a film by Doc Rowe at the East Street site on the Friday evening (25th September). Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available on the door: £2.00 for Rye Museum Association members, £3.50 for non-members.
For Your Diary
Monday, 5th October:�
Volunteers Evening
Our active Museum would not exist without its splendid team of volunteers who contribute in a very wide range of ways. If you think you might like to become a volunteer too, come along to the evening to find out what the possibiities are for you. A good way to make new friends too!
Tuesday, 13h October:�
Geoff Hutchinson on Smugglers of Kent and Sussex
Geoff is one of the Museum’s most popular speakers. (He also recently became Rudyard Kipling for our Museum trip to Batemans.) Come early to the East Street Museum for his 7:30 talk. It will be an informative and entertaining evening.
Saturday, 24th October:
Discovery Day
The theme is Smuggling and there will be lots of exciting activities for children and their parents (and grandparents). Watch this space for details.
And in November and December
Two Craft Fairs, the Christmas Grotto… Do you see why more volunteers are always welcome?