It Started In 1889
Rye Museum Association has a long and resilient history, shaped by the dedication of local people and a shared passion for preserving the town’s heritage. The idea of creating a museum in Rye dates back to 1889, when the Rye Literary Society first proposed using the Ypres Tower (Rye Castle), once the town’s jail, as a museum space. However, it would take several decades before that vision became reality.
The first museum was established in the late 1920s by Leopold Vidler, housed in Battery House just north of the Ypres Tower. Run entirely through visitor income, volunteers, and fundraising, it quickly became a valued part of the community. Like many institutions of its time, the museum was forced to close during the Second World War, and much of its collection was dispersed for safekeeping after severe bomb damage in 1942.
Post WWII
In 1953, a renewed effort led by local supporters brought the museum back to life. The Ypres Tower (Rye Castle); repaired after the war, became its permanent home, reopening to the public in 1954 with just £6 in funds and a strong reliance on volunteers. Under the long stewardship of Honorary Curator Geoffrey Bagley, the collection grew significantly, and the museum earned recognition for its displays and commitment to local history.
By the late 20th century, concerns over the preservation of the collection led to further expansion. A successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid enabled the development of a second site at 3 East Street, which opened in 1999. Today, Rye Museum Association operates across both the historic Rye Castle (Ypres Tower) and the East Street Museum site, continuing to evolve while staying true to its origins as an independent, community-driven museum.
2020 Onwards
Recent projects, including the restoration of the Women’s Tower and Hop exhibition, reflect the museum’s ongoing commitment to sharing new stories, ensuring that the lives of Rye’s past residents, including women and children, are represented and explored for future generations.
Today we have members from all over the world and encourage new members to join us through engaging events and creative displays.
Our History
Foundation
Leopold Vidler, who founded the first museum, was also the author of A New History of Rye (1934). He served as Mayor of Rye from 1927–28 and was the museum’s first and only curator at Battery House.
Award Winning
Geoffrey Spink Bagley served as Honorary Curator for 38 years, from 1954 until his death in 1992. He greatly expanded the collection, changed displays each year with volunteers, and won an award for the museum’s work in 1975.
Boozy Beginnings
The museum’s East Street site opened in Easter 1999—45 years after the post-war reopening of the Ypres Tower. The building was formerly a bottling factory for beers and was converted with help from a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid.
Rye's Pyramid
The Ypres Tower, which houses part of the museum, was originally built as a prison and later served as the town’s jail. Its pyramidal tile roof was destroyed during an air raid in 1942 and was never replaced.
