Rye Harbour is a small village created in the 14th/15th centuries when the
sea retreated from the town of Rye. The Saxons called it 'Atter Ie',
meaning 'on the island' as Rye is an island. Over the years this was altered
to 'Atte Rie', and finally to Rye .
General Details
Rye Harbour is a fairly modern village being built in its present
location about 1800 on the shoreline , nowadays the sea is another
3/4 miles south.
The village was built for the Excise men and harbourmaster at Rye
to carry out their duties, and for the fishermen to land their
catches.
Rye Harbour was part of the Napoleonic defenses of England in the
early 1800's and a Martello tower was built here to defend the
entrance to Rye from invasion by Napoleon .
The current village sports a holiday village for those souls who
wish to explore the Romney Marsh and enjoy the unspoilt beaches
between Rye Harbour and Pett .
Rye Bay nature reserve can also be found in the vicinity which
provides a wide variety of wildlife to view.
To the west lies the old fortification originally known as Winchelsea Castle and
nowadays Camber Castle . This was built by Henry VIII in 1539, on a spit of land
which stuck out into the sea, to defend the entrance to Rye and Winchelsea harbours.
The castle was very nearly demolished in 1626 by Charles I as its upkeep was
deemed unnessary due to the castle now lying 2 miles inland and away from the sea.
Today is is supported by English Heritage and is available to visit on foot
from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve .
Services
The village has a few local services including a public house.
The nearest shopping centre is in historic Rye about 3 miles inland,
which also has trains which cross the Romney Marsh from Hastings to
Ashford .
Views
The harbour area is very interesting with the coastguard station
a public house, and fishing vessels. The views across to the
holiday village of Camber are very pretty.
The nature reserve is a must for those amongst us who enjoy peaceful
views of wildlife.
Access to Camber Castle which was built by Henry VIII to prevent attack
from the french, is via the village.
The village has a few local services including a public house.
The harbour area is very interesting with the coastguard station
a public house, and fishing vessels. The views across to the
holiday village of 
