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• Managing Organisation:

  Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

• Contact:

  Daniel Buck

• Telephone:

  01992 709896 
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Information about this open space

Rye House has a varied and vibrant history associated with it.  Habitation of the area can be traced back as far as Saxon times, there being a settlement on the site known then as “atter eye” Saxon for “at the island”.  It’s most noted for the construction of a fortified manor house on “the Island of Rye” by Sir Andrew Ogard an ex-patriot Dane in 1443.  It is one of the first buildings constructed using brick in this country and the house formed the hub of what was a large estate for its time.  Rye House is also known as one of the finest medieval moated sites in Hertfordshire and in a Grade I listed building.  Inside the building there is an information point staffed by an Information Assistant with a good knowledge of the its past.  Visitors can look at the various displays throughout the building that record its remarkable life history. Climb the stairs to the viewing platform and take a close look at a fine example of a “Barley Sugar” chimney plus views looking over the Lee and Stort Valleys.  The Gatehouse opening times are Weekends and Bank Holidays from Good Friday until the end of September 11:00am – 5:00pm.  Nearby on the River Lee Navigation is Rye House Quay.  Once a chandler’s yard, it has been re-developed to provide mooring for boats and an area for informal recreation.