The Olde Bell, Rye

The Olde Bell, Rye, also known as Ye Olde Bell and historically as The Old Bell Inn, is a Grade II listed historic inn located in Rye, East Sussex, England. According to historical records, the building was constructed in 1390, making it one of the older surviving inn buildings in the region. It is situated in Rye, a town in the Rother district of East Sussex, and operates as a public house and inn. The inn has a turbulent history closely tied to smuggling in the region. It was once used for smuggling activities and was connected by a secret tunnel to the nearby Mermaid Inn to the south. In the 1730s and 1740s, the infamous Hawkhurst Gang used the inn and the tunnel to move goods from the Mermaid Inn to a revolving cupboard in the Old Bell, allowing for a quick getaway. This connection to smuggling lore forms a significant part of the inn's identity and local historical interest. As a Grade II listed building, The Olde Bell is recognized for its architectural and historical significance. The interior features two separate bar areas with original oak beams, and outside there is a terrace with an 80-year-old Wisteria tree. The inn continues to operate as a hospitality venue, serving as a pub and inn in Rye. Its website is yeoldebellrye.co.uk. The inn is a commercial hospitality brand and historic property, not to be confused with other establishments sharing similar names.

The Olde Bell, Rye, also known as Ye Olde Bell and historically as The Old Bell Inn, is a Grade II listed inn in Rye, East Sussex, England. The building was constructed in 1390, according to historical records. It is located in Rye, in the Rother district of East Sussex. The inn has a turbulent history and was once used for smuggling. It was connected by a secret tunnel with the nearby Mermaid Inn to the south. In the 1730s and 1740s, the infamous Hawkhurst Gang used the inn and the tunnel to move goods from the Mermaid Inn to a revolving cupboard in the Old Bell for a quick getaway. This period marks a notable chapter in the inn's past, linking it to the broader history of smuggling in the region. As a Grade II listed building, The Olde Bell is recognized for its historical and architectural significance. The inn has two separate bar areas with original oak beams, and a terrace with an 80-year-old Wisteria tree. It continues to operate as a pub and inn. The website is yeoldebellrye.co.uk.

• 1740

  The Hawkhurst Gang continues to use the inn for moving goods via the tunnel and revolving cupboard.

• 1730

  The Hawkhurst Gang begins using the inn and its secret tunnel to the Mermaid Inn for smuggling activities.

• The Olde Bell inn building is constructed in Rye, East Sussex.

Historic Grade II listed inn and pub with a smuggling heritage in Rye, East Sussex.

• Public house services

• Inn accommodation

• Food and drink

1. 1The Old Bell Inn - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2The Olde Bell, Rye - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org