Ypres Tower

Ypres Tower, also known as Rye Castle, stands in the town of Rye, in the county of East Sussex in England.

The first castle here in Rye was mentioned in 1216. Of that castle nothing remains. The present structure, a square tower with round corner turrets, was probably built in the mid-13th century following an order of King Henry III for the construction of a castle. It was originally called "Baddings Tower". It was built on the edge of the 15 m high natural plateau where the town was situated and overlooked the town's port.

In 1430 it was acquired by a John de Iprys, which led to its present name. From 1494 on the tower was used as a prison. In 1837 a separate smaller tower was added to be used as a prison for women. The area between the 2 towers was walled and was used as an exercise yard for the inmates.

After a new police station was built in the town, in 1891, the use of Ypres Tower as a prison ended. The lowest level was then used as a morgue until 1959. During an air raid in 1942 the tower was damaged and lost its pyramidal tile roof.

At present Ypres Tower is a museum. It can be visited for a fee. A nice little castle.

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