The purchaser of Ashbee's in the High Street has been named as Nick Sinclair, who lives in The Mint. He intends to let the ground floor retail premises whilst retaining the first floor living accommodation.
It is hoped that a tenant will soon be found who will bring life back into this characterful property. This would increase the visitor attraction of Rye High Street, besides creating new employment.
Rye residents will recall the curved brass plates that adorned the front window sills. Prior to the shop being sold by the Dengate family to the Rumseys, these plates were displayed and taken in each night for safe keeping. The Rye Conservation Society has expressed concern for their current whereabouts. "They formed an important part of the shop-front", commented John Griffiths, the society's chairman, "and the fact that they were so brightly polished and consequently scarcely legible would mean that they would not be unsuitable, no matter what line of business is undertaken in future". The main sign-board is also a part of the historic fabric and was the subject of a planning refusal when the last owners sought to have it removed.
Photo: Kenneth Bird
