The Borough Arms and the Ship, circa 1900

Of the earliest Inns and Alehouses little or nothing is known and all that exists are a few early cellars beneath later buildings. By the sixteenth century, the Inn and Alehouse was a significant part of the Rye scene.

As an important port of embarkation the town was always busy with travellers. Merchants and the military were crossing to and from France and all required sustenance and accommodation, whilst awaiting the tide.

Lord D’acre stayed at Le Crowne (at the corner of West Street and High Street) on the way to meet Henry VIII at Calais in 1520. In 1574 some twenty six Inns and Alehouses could be found with ninety four beds for strangers.

The occupation of licensed ale housekeepers was a privileged one and was found among the more affluent members of Society, often the town’s Jurats. One of these was Richard Pedyel, owner of the Mermaid, who died in 1536.

The Tower Inn, circa 1890