This very rare photograph, from the Frank Palmer Collection, is of Rye’s ‘Unknown Inn’.
The Oak Inn, situated in the building very recently part vacated by Ollio Books and the Rye Art Galleries Easton Rooms, was active for a period of three years or so a little over 100 years ago.
By 1903, a year after this photograph was taken, the premises had become a tea shop.
A close inspection of the picture reveals that “The Oak” was a Style & Wynch outlet. Continue reading The Oak Inn
These two photographs, taken in the 1930’s, demonstrate how important the heavy horse was to Rye’s industry and supply years after the introduction of the petrol engine. These were the days when farm produce was delivered and sold to Stonhams who processed the raw materials and bagged them ready for resale. Continue reading When the Horse was King
In the late fifties and early sixties Rye was a thriving market town. Each year there was a Trades Exhibition at The Monastery and local enterprises took stands to show their stock in trade, advertise their services and display their products. Continue reading Rye Trades Exhibition 1959
Over three hundred people crowded into the Thomas Peacocke Main Hall to discuss the proposed Tesco Store which has designs on the Ferry Road School site. Continue reading Many Cross People at the Cross Meeting
The Hughes’ oil on canvas in original frame measures 30″ x 35″ approx. and is in good condition. This work was painted by Hughes at the request of Alice Boyd of Penkill Castle, Scotland while Hughes was resident at Penkill. Hughes styled this work of Scott (at the age of 21) from a much earlier painting by Bell Scott’s brother David.
Continue reading Important Art Works At Rye Auction Galleries
When Ryers were young they used to walk hand in hand along the ‘MonkeyWalk’ and sit on the seat by the river. Today there is so much rubbish and filth on the bank alongside the path that runs from the Tillingham Bridge in Ferry Road to the Windmill, it fails to be the romantic place it once was. Alas, since Rother District Council took over the running of Rye the town has gradually deteriorated. Continue reading Down by the Riverside
Buying at Auction These lantern slides, just a sample from the 40 that were included in the lot, demonstrate that there are bargains to be had at any auction sale. Continue reading Buying at Auction
Bournes the Rye removal company have been presented with the famous UTS Dancing Elephant after winning the award for the second time since its conception in 1993. Continue reading Bournes UTS Celebrate Dancing Elephant Award
I joined East Kent as a driver in 1937 and am now the last of the prewar drivers to survive. I was with East Kent until my retirement in 1977.
I remember back to the 1920’s when Timpsons were running charabangs in Hastings. They then uprooted and moved to Catford. Maidstone & District were running Tilling Stevens Petrol Electric double deckers in the late twenties. Continue reading The Last of the Prewar Drivers
Rye Town Council have been criticised in some quarters for allowing the Hotel and Caterers Association to use the Heritage Building for running the Tourist Information Centre. Continue reading Hotcats Save The Day
