RYE AND WINCHELSEA

These are both towns with fortifications dating from the 13th century and only two miles apart.

The Ypres tower in Rye, used for centuries as a prison but now a museum, is the earliest remaining fortification dating from 1249. Rye's defences were strengthened with stone walls and 4 gateways in the 14th century after the town was destroyed in 1377. Of these only the Landgate still stands. There are no remains of the original Norman Castle.

Photos Charles Taylor

The first town of Winchelsea was washed away by the sea in 1252 after which it was rebuilt on higher ground. Fortification began in 1283, but the three gateways that are still standing, Strand, Pipewell and New Gates, probably date from the 14th or 15th century.

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