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Heritage Model of Rye Revived, Attracts Tourists Again

4/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Rye Town Model is a hand-carved 1:100 scale replica of Rye in East Sussex, created in the 1970s by Joy and Ted Harland.
Displayed since 1976, it remains a heritage attraction showing 700 years of history.
A local charity saved the model and the Heritage Centre after declines in visitors and finances.
After updates with modern technology, the model reopened in 2021 and continues to attract tourists to Rye.

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Story summary

The Rye Town Model is a hand-carved 1:100 scale replica of Rye in East Sussex, created in the 1970s by Joy and Ted Harland.
Displayed since 1976, it remains a heritage attraction showing 700 years of history.
A local charity saved the model and the Heritage Centre after declines in visitors and finances.
After updates with modern technology, the model reopened in 2021 and continues to attract tourists to Rye.