Rye is brimming with quirky, weird and fun history. A seaside town, and strategically located at the confluence of three rivers: the Tillingham, the Brede and the Rother and an important member of the medieval Cinque Ports confederation, Rye’s history is uniquely tied to its maritime function. Evidence suggests that this function goes all the way back to Roman times, becoming an important and highly regarded port in the 12th century. By the end of the 17th century, as ships got bigger and fishing became more expansive, smuggling also became a larger issue. New tax impositions on various goods propelled the rise of smuggling throughout southern England, particularly in towns such as Rye. It quickly took on much wider proportions, becoming a criminal pursuit with gangs forming such as the notorious Hawkhurst Gang. The criminal organisation was active from 1735 until 171749, when three of their leaders were executed and were known to meet in the iconic Mermaid Inn and the Olde bell Inn in Rye, the two of which are said to be connected by a secret passageway. The town remained an important port and point of interest, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, when it was under constant threat of invasion. It also maintained close ties to the crown throughout the centuries, even receiving the title of “Rye Royal” from Queen Elizabeth I in 1573.
