John Pelham: I am also interested in discovering the origin of the Hilder of Hilder’s Cliff, Rye, as I was myself a Hilder before I married. There is/was quite a large family of Hilders who nearly all originated in East Sussex, so it is quite likely that the cliff was named after one. But what had he done to deserve having his name handed down to posterity on this manner? Any information would be welcome
What's new?
Andrew Blyth

As well as painting Andrew has enjoyed a rich and exciting career as an architect and landscape architect. Following his … more
Listed in: Individual Artists
Featured Links
Cadborough Cottages

Walking distance from Rye. Ample parking. Peaceful location.
Jeake's House

Award winning 17th century town house in medieval cobbled street
What's on in Rye
Nature Connection Event
, 6:00am - 9:00pm
The Brewery Yard Club, Rye

Category: Community and Social Events
Message Board
Parker Butcher worked at Ypres Tower
My great great Granfather was a policeman at the Ypres Tower, I believe it was a gaol at the time. … more
Scallop Week
Hi, plenty of promotions for venues and events but can anyone recommend somewhere where I can buy Rye scallops at … more
5 responses to “Family History of Hilder”
Mary Goudeau Née Hilder: Mary,
re: Naming of Hilders Cliff
Sorry for delay. My wife died just before your message.
Her great grandfather was Russell Hilder Banister and lived in Hilder’s Cliff (nr the Landgate) and Rope Walk, Rye. He was born in Peasmarsh, Sussex (about 1839).
Does this help with your own investigations?
John Pelham
John Pelham: I have asked Jo Kirkham, local historian, about the naming of Hilders Cliff. This is what she says:
‘There was an important family called Hilder in Rye – in the records from 1813 to c.1900. One of these, I believe , paid for improving the road and putting up the railing’s and lights – (originally gas) – on Hilder’s Cliff.’
Hope this helps!
I realize this response is to an old msg. – and you probably have what you asked for – also, I’m not sure if this is the ” commemorative plaque at the top of Hilder’s Cliff” that you mean. It is on the lookout at the top of the hill, end of the High Street – the belvedere:
“This lookout was given in 1935 by E.F. Benson when Mayor of Rye. He
immortalised this town as “Tilling” in his Mappa and Lucia Novels.”
> Paul Crowther: 20/01/2006 23:59:51 Paul Crowther: Further to my last submission I understand that there is a commemorative plaque at the top of Hilder’s Cliff. If anyone is near there could they please get the
inscription. Thanks >
> Paul Crowther: 20/01/2006 14:14:46 Shelley Jebb: Hilder’s Cliff – My grandmother was a Hilder from Rye. The story we were always told was that Hilder’s Cliff was named after PC Hilder who saved someone from jumping
off the top of the cliff. Is there any truth in the story? >
Do you have any more info on story about the P.C. Hilder.
My name is Keith Hilder and I was a S.C. in the Devon & Cornwall Police, but my past family come from Sussex,
Thanks
My grandmother was Nellie Hilder, born in Rye in 1926, daughter of Walter John Hilder (born 1893 in Rye). I believe I can trace my family line back to a Richard Hilder born circa 1500.
Would love to hear from any Hilders out there to find out how we are connected to each other. Thanks.