Use of Bricks

In 1377 most of the timber houses in Rye were destroyed when the French set fire to the town.  They were rebuilt using timber, notably oak frame constructions, because there was a plentiful supply of wood but no good local stone.

Demand for oak, including that for shipbuilding, outstripped supply.  Brick-making started using the plentiful supply of local clay in wood fired clamps.

Variety in the colour and texture of brick comes from the choice of clay, the method of manufacture and the temperature and length of time for the burning - for example dark purplish headers are produced by putting the end of the brick facing the hottest part of the kiln.