St Mary's Church Tower
St Mary's Church Tower in Rye, East Sussex
Rye Parish Church Of St Mary
Church Square
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7HF
Telephone:
01797 224 935
E-Mail:
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This clock, which for over four hundred years has recorded the passing of the hours for the towns-people of Rye, was made during the years 1560-2 by a man from Winchelsea named Lewys Billiard. The Churchwarden's accounts show the cost to have been £33.18.0. which would have been about £250 today. It is said to be the oldest turret clock still operational with its original works in England.
The dial and Quarter Boys date from the year 1700. The pendulum beats but once in two and a quarter seconds. It is dated 1810.
In 1958 the clock was cleaned for the first time in thirty two years.
Parish Records: All parish records of baptism/marriage/death are kept in East Sussex Record Office:
The Maltings, Castle Precincts, Lewes BN7 1YT
Tel: 01273 482 359
Fax: 01273 482 341
The photos above include view looking North and North West from the Tower
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