It has passed through many strange uses,
among others that of a Salvation Army barracks. It is now the Anglican
Church House. This was the only settlement of the Austin Friars in
Sussex, and of its origin nothing is known. In 1368 we hear that the
prior and convent of the Friars Eremites of St Austin in Rye permitted
one of their brethren, a priest, to say Mass daily, at the altar of St
Nicholas, in the parish church for the welfare of William Taylour of
Rye, and of Agnes his wife. In 1378 the town granted them a place
called "le Haltone" near the town ditch. But apart from these two facts
their history is altogether wanting.
From the parish church one descends south-east to the Ypres Tower. This
watch tower and stronghold was built in the time of King Stephen by
William of Ypres, Earl of Kent, and is in many ways the most impressive
building left to us in Rye. It is undoubtedly best seen from the river,
but it and the garden below it afford a great view over the marshes on
a clear day, eastward to the cliffs of Folkestone and westward to
Fairlight. In itself it is a plain rectangular building with round
towers at the angles, but with nothing of interest within.
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