The exact date of construction is unclear although the possibility of creating a castle at Rye was mentioned in documents of 1226 and 1249.[2] In 1329 Murage was applied for and works carried out during the 14th century before and after attacks by the French.[2] Rye became one of the Cinque Ports and was involved in both defence and trade.[4] It was originally called "Baddings Tower".[5][6]
During King Henry VIII's Device Fort programme, an artillery battery, known as the Gun Garden, was constructed adjacent to the castle overlooking the harbour.[7] It was rearmed at the time of the Spanish Armada of 1588,[8] and again during the 18th century wars with France. In 1830, it was still in active service with 18 guns.[9]
The castle may have been used as a prison and in 1430 became the property of John de Iprys; which lead to the name Ypres Tower.[2] In the 16th century it was used as a prison and courthouse with a full-time gaoler being appointed in 1796.[10] An exercise yard was added and then a women's prison in 1837.[11] The prison function continued until 1891.[2] It then became the town's morgue.[12]
The tower was damaged during air raids in World War II but has been repaired and restored since then.[2]
The three-storey castle is of iron-stained sandstone. It has a square plan with a round towers at each corner. The door in the north side is protected by a portcullis.[2]
Rye Castle Museum
Ypres Tower is one of two sites of Rye Castle Museum and is a grade I listed building.[2] Exhibits in the tower include locally-made medieval pottery, an embroidery depicting many aspects of Rye life and history, medieval artifacts, activities and town maps.
The East Street Site, a former brewer's bottling factory, is the main exhibit area for the Rye Castle Museum. Opened in 1999,[13] the local history exhibits include fire fighting equipment, trade changes caused by the sea's retreat, maritime history and shipbuilding, antique toys and games, photos, town seals, and archaeological artifacts.[14][15]
