2027 is the European Year of the Normans, a major international cultural festival marking the 1,000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror. It has been hard to miss the Bayeux Tapestry coming to London, and local towns are gearing up to commemorate 1066.
Here in Rye we have a different story to tell to the rest of 1066 country. We were Norman before the conquest: the Manor of Rameslie, where Rye now stands, was given to the Abbey of Fecamp in 1017.
During the course of 2027, we are aiming to tell the story of the people who were part of this complex period in English history. We will also be speculating on the monks’ involvement in the invasion; it is notable that Rameslie was untouched whereas other settlements nearby were raised to the ground.
Events and exhibitions will be centered around Rye Castle Museum and Rye Heritage Centre but we would love for the whole town to be involved. Get your thinking caps on – if you are a local business, restaurant, cafe, school or community group who would like to create something Norman, however large or small, please register your initial interest with Penny at info@ryemuseum.co.uk
Image Credits: Penny Bruce .