Retirement Properties Spotlight in Rye

Rye was once part of the manors of Rameslie and Brede and was given by Cnut to the Abbot of Fecamp in the early 11th century. At the time it was an island surrounded by marshes and its name probably derives from 'island, dry ground in a marsh'. In the Middle Ages it was an important port and the town was required to provide the King with five fighting ships for 15 days a year.

The harbour eventually silted up and the mouth of the River Rother moved westwards leaving the town behind. Smuggling then became an important source of income for the locals and those further afield particularly the Hawkhurst gang. Salt was one of the town's major products and at the time of Domesday there were at least 100 salt-houses. Today the town's recreation ground below its walls are still known as the Town Salts.