The small town of Rye, in East Sussex, England. It is located at the point where the sandstone high land of the Weald reaches the coast. It is officially a civil parish but with its historic roots has the status of a town; it has a population of 4009 (2001 census). Those historic roots make it a tourist destination, and much of its economy is based on that: there are a number of hotels and restaurants, as well as other attractions, catering for the visitor. There is small fishing fleet, and the Harbour has facilities for yachts and other vessels. At the latter end of the 18th century, Rye was connected to the Turnpike Trust system of roads. One of these, the Flimwell Turnpike, took passengers towards London; the second ran from Hastings eastwards through the town. These two roads are now the A258 and the A259.