Rye is a small town and civil parish in the Rother district, in East Sussex, England, 2 miles from the sea at the assemblage of three rivers: the Rother, the Tillingham and also the Brede. In medieval times, as a vital participant of the Cinque Ports confederation, it was at the head of an embayment of the English Channel, as well as virtually entirely bordered by the sea. At the 2011 census, Rye had a population of 4,773. Its historical association with the sea has actually included supplying ships for the solution of the Crown in time of war, as well as being involved in smuggling. The notorious Hawkhurst Gang used its old inns The Mermaid Inn and also The Olde Bell Inn, which are said to be linked to each various other by a secret passage. Those historic roots and its appeal make it a visitor destination, with hotels, guest houses, B&B s, cafeteria, and also dining establishments. It has a tiny fishing fleet, and also Rye Harbour has facilities for luxury yachts and also other vessels.