Book charting Rye's fascinating history through old photographs

Rye and Around from Old Photographs, by Alan Dickinson, shows the history of the area from the mid 19th to the early 20th centuries.

Alan, an amateur historian, who is also a surveyor and historic building consultant, has written several books on the history of the area, including Rye & Winchelsea (Britain in Old Photographs) and Rye Through Time.

He said: “My interest in local history all started in my late teens. I interviewed people and collected old photographs.

“I was founder chairman of the Rye Local History Group, which eventually merged into Rye Museum Association.

“A lot of photographs came from museums and libraries, as well as local collectors. I copied quite a few of them in order to build a record.

“I researched all of the captions, for example, looking at sign writing of old shops to discover when they traded, so as I could date the picture.”

Alan’s new book is divided into nine chapters, covering various aspects of life in Rye and its surroundings, such as recreation, Rye at war and commercial life.

It also gives a brief history in the introduction.

The photographs show notable landmarks in times gone by, such as the 14th century Landgate and St Mary’s Church.

Rye’s history comes from it being a member of the Confederation of Cinque Ports, a historic series of coastal towns in Kent and Sussex. It was originally formed for military and trade purposes, but is now entirely ceremonial.

Alan’s book is published by Amberley Publishing, priced £12.99.

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