Rye welcomes Her Majesty The Queen to Rye in a celebration of community and literary heritage!
Her Majesty will graciously meet with members of our vibrant local community at the historic Church of Saint Mary, where the resonant bells will joyfully herald her arrival. Inside the church, representatives from esteemed local organisations, including the Royal Voluntary Service, Mothers’ Union, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and Royal British Legion, will have the honour of conversing with Her Majesty, who serves as patron to the Royal Voluntary Service. She will also meet with the talented bell ringers who have added their melodic touch to this special occasion.
Later, at Lamb House, once home to renowned novelists Henry James, Rumer Godden, and E. F. Benson, Her Majesty will partake in a delightful garden party celebrating Rye’s rich literary legacy. Amidst the picturesque backdrop of Lamb House, guests will enjoy a gathering steeped in the literary history of our beloved town.
After departing the Church of Saint Mary, Her Majesty will embark on a leisurely stroll along the quaint streets of Rye, making her way to Lamb House, a cherished landmark with a storied past. Originally built in 1723 by James Lamb and now under the care of the National Trust, Lamb House has been graced by the presence of literary giants over the centuries. A highlight of the visit will include a brief tour of Lamb House and a viewing of literary artefacts from its historic collection.
The garden party at Lamb House will be a convivial affair, attended by esteemed members of the literary community, including the Friends of Tilling, the E. F. Benson Society, and dedicated staff and volunteers from the National Trust. A special reading from the beloved “Mapp and Lucia” novels by Gyles Brandreth, President of the Friends of Tilling, will add a touch of literary magic to the festivities.
As the royal visit draws to a close, Her Majesty will take a leisurely stroll down Rye’s enchanting Mermaid Street, taking in the sights that inspired the works of E. F. Benson, and leaving behind fond memories of a truly regal and literary celebration in our charming town.
