One of the favorite places I visited was the city of Rye (I believe it’s in East Sussex not Kent). It was once on the ocean but over time with silting, the ocean receding and a very bad storm which changed the coast line a lot, along with a river changing course, Rye is now two miles inland. It has winding cobblestone streets, buildings with sagging roofs and is loaded with that medieval feeling.


St. Mayr’s Church was really interesting. For some reason the clock has an extremely long pendulum which hangs down into the church from high overhead outside.


A really long climb up rickity stairs and ladders will lead you up into the bell tower.


There are eight bells up there. In 1377 the French made a raid of Rye and pretty much destroyed the town and stole the churh’s bells. The next year, the English returned the favor and got their bells back. These aren’t the original bells however. It was incredible being up there. I’m just glad they didn’t start ringing.


There is an incredible view of the city below from the top.


One of the statues on either side of the tower clock. They are called the “Quarter Boys” because they strike the bells on the quarter hour.

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