Situated in the heart of ‘1066 Country,’ the ancient, East Sussex town of Rye overlooks the western side of Romney Marsh, close to the Kent border. It’s a place I’ve known well my whole life, and provided the perfect location break for Sally Reece and Alan Baker to visit. Here, Sally delivers recent paintings to her art dealer, Gary Mason, at the top of Mermaid Street. Alan and Sally also stop for a drink at The Mermaid Inn, before Alan reveals his ‘shameful secret’ atop the church tower, and they retire to Simon the Pieman for a light bite.
They crossed a snaking bend in the River Rother at East Guldeford, from where the hilltop parish church of St Mary’s, Rye, still stood sentinel; an echo of the onetime medieval citadel town’s defensive past. A prouder gem of jaw-dropping architectural, cultural, and historic beauty along England’s southern coast than Rye would prove a hard task to find. Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian buildings tumbled over one another, amidst hilly, cobbled streets and alleys. Every thoroughfare interlocked in a characterful mass crowned by the distinctive, afore-mentioned square tower and short spire of St Mary’s.
Through Sally’s Eyes – John Eden
Cannons hint at Rye’s past as a citadel town.Outside ‘The Mermaid Inn.’The yard at ‘The Mermaid Inn’ looking back towards Mermaid Street.The Parlour and Fireplace Bar, where Sally and Alan stop for a hot chocolate.‘Mason’s Fine Art’ occupied this empty shop atop Mermaid Street in the book. Fun fact: it actually was once a gallery selling artwork.The church clock, quarter boys, and quotation discussed by Sally and Alan.A north-easterly view from the church tower.An easterly view of Romney Marsh from the church tower.A south-easterly view from the church tower. Notice the Ypres Tower, where the cannons are situated.This is the spot Sally almost topples from the church tower.A southerly view from the church tower, looking towards Winchelsea, Fairlight, and The Firehills.A westerly view from the church tower, looking back towards Gary Mason’s gallery.A north-westerly view from the church tower.Looking northerly from the church tower, down into Lion Street where Sally identifies a young couple while making an important point to Alan.A closer view of Lion Street with ‘Simon the Pieman.’‘Simon the Pieman’ outside the church on Lion Street.‘Simon the Pieman.’ Always nice for a light bite, a cake, or a cream tea.
John Eden 