Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary is a medieval parish church in Rye that evolved gradually between the 12th and 15th centuries. The building displays a cross-shaped layout with side transepts, a deep chancel, and a tall central tower dominating the town's skyline.

Monks from Fécamp Abbey in Normandy began the current building in the 1100s when they controlled the town. The construction continued through later centuries as the church adapted to shifts in religious practice and building techniques.

De kerk is een herkenningspunt in het middeleeuwse centrum van Rye, waar de klokken al eeuwenlang het ritme van het dagelijks leven bepalen. Bezoekers komen hier om zowel de spirituele ruimte als het vakmanschap in steen en glas te bewonderen.

You can climb the church tower for views across Rye's rooftops, the harbour, and toward the coastal areas beyond. The staircase is narrow and winding, requiring steady footing and a reasonable level of physical fitness.

The building houses one of England's oldest working turret clocks, made in 1561 by Huguenot craftsman Lewys Billiard. This same clock has continued marking time for Rye's residents for more than 4 centuries.

Locatie: Rye

Ontstaan: 1220

GPS-coördinaten: 50.95010,0.73419

Laatste update: 10 december 2025 om 21:02