Rye is a village and also civil parish in the Rother district, in East Sussex, England, two miles from the sea at the confluence of 3 rivers: the Rother, the Tillingham and also the Brede. In middle ages times, as a crucial member of the Cinque Ports confederation, it was at the head of an embayment of the English Channel, as well as almost 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 providing ships for the service of the Crown in time of war, and being involved in contraband. The infamous Hawkhurst Gang used its old inns The Mermaid Inn as well as The Olde Bell Inn, which are said to be linked per other by a secret passageway. Those historic roots and also its beauty make it a visitor location, with resorts, guest houses, B&B s, tea rooms, and also restaurants. It has a small angling fleet, as well as Rye Harbour has facilities for yachts and various other vessels.