Georgian Supper

A Georgian Supper with Talk

by Peter Ewart

The Rye Museum Association warmly invites members and guests to a special evening commemorating the 300th anniversary of the shipwreck of King George I off the coast of Rye, a remarkable event that links our historic town with the story of the Hanoverian monarchy.

Guests will enjoy a Georgian-inspired supper, celebrating the tastes, customs, and conviviality of the early eighteenth century. Drawing upon the culinary traditions of the period, the menu will evoke the atmosphere of a Georgian dining table, offering a fitting accompaniment to an evening of historical reflection.

The supper will be followed by an illustrated talk exploring the dramatic circumstances of George I's misadventure in the waters off Rye, the challenges of eighteenth-century sea travel, and the wider political and social landscape of Georgian Britain. Through contemporary accounts and historical insight, the talk will examine how this extraordinary episode became woven into the rich maritime history of the Sussex coast.

Combining fine food, local heritage, and engaging scholarship, this commemorative event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate an intriguing chapter in Rye's past and to reflect upon the enduring connections between our town and the wider currents of British history.