Rye Castle Museum

There have been many writers in Rye over the centuries but it was from the late nineteenth century onwards that writers came to live in the town. By then it was more accessible because of the railway and it was seen as an unspoilt place of great charm. Henry James’ decision to live in Rye … read more

Benson’s Sense of Humour For the main Benson articles click here. This recipe was contributed by E F Benson, Mayor of Rye to the book A Cargo of Recipes:  Procure a small piece of glass (any broken window will serve) about 1 inch square. Pound this in a mortar till its consistency is of the finest … read more

There are many more writers who lived locally,  visited regularly and/or wrote about Rye and the surrounding area than we have told about so far.  Here are lists of some of them.   How many do you know about? MORE WRITERS WHO LIVED IN AND AROUND RYE (e.g. Winchelsea, Fairlight, Pett, Hastings, Romney Marsh) BURNETT,  Francis … read more

Please note that this article is in progress.  There is much to add. Arrangement is roughly in order of reader ages from nursery to adult. The date are those of  first publication.  Some have gone through many editions/revisions/reprintings since. Rumer Godden,  A KINDLE OF KITTENS.  Pan MacMillan Children’s Books 1978. Both the words and the illustrations … read more

E.F. BENSON (1867 – 1940) : A Brief Biography by Allan Downend,  Secretary, E.F. Benson Society and former Curator, Rye Museum Click here for an  example of Benson’s sense of humour: Pancakes à la Borgia E.F.Benson was born at Wellington College on July 24th 1867.  Fred, as he was known to his family, was the fifth … read more