Conservation
Society
Protecting Rye’s historic heritage
for future generations
Rye Conservation Society is a registered charity -
Rye is famous for its cobbles but they need constant attention. Modern vehicles, especially with power steering, tend to loosen them. Replacing the cobbles after such damage or following works on underground services tests the skills of the repairer.
Sometimes the result is concrete with a few cobbles pushed in like currants in a bun, or concrete is poured over everything. There must be sufficient cobbles for the job and they must all be of similar size and colour.
Pavements of Rye
Many pavements in Rye must have been costly to install because there is no local stone. To make them safer many stones were scored to reduce slipping when walking in the rain in leather soled working boots with nailed studs.
Cobbles in Watchbell Street
Church Square
Images and text by John Griffiths, Rye Conservation Society
