Page:The Hastings Guide.pdf/134

British word Rhy, signifying a ford, and importing the place where the rivers of Rother and Ree were yet fordable. This is one of the two ancient towns, enjoying like privileges with the rest of the Ports. It sends two members to Parliament. The town, which is built on a hill, consists of several streets. In the time of Edward III. it was enclosed with walls, part of which, on the west side, are yet standing ; as is likewise the land, or north gate, leading into the country towards Kent ; the postern-gate leading to the New Conduit; the strand, or south gate, leading towards Winchelsea, where the Old Harbour was ; and the gun-garden, adjoining to Ipres Tower, built by William de Ipre, Earl of Kent, and from him so called ; since purchased by the Corporation, of one Mr. Newberry, about the 10th year of Henry VII. and used to keep Court in till the building of the Town Hall (whence it acquired the name of the Court House), and then was converted into a prison. Besides the Chapel of St. Clare (now used for a Powder House), the Chantry of St. Nicholas, the Chancel whereof is still kept for an Ammunition -