Welcome to the Ship Inn, disputedly Rye’s oldest pub! Evidence show that the original name of the Ship was ‘The Cock and Coney’ from a deed dated 1722.
This grade 2 listed building was built in 1592. During the 18th century it was used to store contraband confiscated from smugglers (usually alcohol), the contraband would be auctioned off and buyers were expected to taste the goods before parting with their money, this is most probably how the Ship first became a pub.
The sign on east wall quotes Lord Pembroke in 1781 "will Washington take America or smugglers England first?". Underneath there is a list of custom boats and men of war nearly all from the 18th century. Latin inscription on the other sign reads "God favors King Edward of England".
In more recent history the Ship was rumoured to be frequented by members of the famous writer's club named the Bloomsbury group whose members included Virginia Woolf and H.G Wells.
Check in: 15:00 (3:00pm) - 22:00 (10:00pm) (no arrivals allowed outside this window)
Check out: Before 11:00 (11:00am)
