War Memorial in St Mary's churchyard, Rye

This First World War memorial, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and unveiled in 1919, later received additions to commemorate subsequent conflicts. It stands prominently in the south-east corner of St Mary’s churchyard. The memorial consists of a 6-metre tall cross constructed from Bath stone, inspired by the Imperial (later Commonwealth) War Graves Commission Cross of Sacrifice. The cross sits atop a three-stage octagonal plinth, which is in turn supported by a two-stage octagonal base. A bronze sword is affixed to the front of the tapering shaft of the cross.

An incised inscription encircles the lower part of the topmost tier of the plinth, reading "IN MEMORY OF THE OFFICERS AND MEN FROM RYE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR MCMXIV - MCMXIX." The names of 142 individuals who died in the First World War are inscribed on the faces of the plinth above this. A further inscription on the front of the middle tier reads "THEIR NAME/ LIVETH FOR/ EVERMORE." The front face of the base tier bears an inscription relating to the Second World War, reading "ALSO TO THOSE/ WHO FELL IN THE/ 1939-1945 WAR," with the names of 48 fallen individuals inscribed on the flanking faces. A further face details the names of two individuals who died in the Gulf War (1990-1) and Iraq War (2003-11). The memorial is enclosed by a low, circular stone wall or kerb incorporating flower beds.