This is the creepy reason a street got called Dumb Woman’s Lane in Rye
The street name isn't actually referring to a stupid female
WHAT'S in a name?
Well, for one small road on the south coast there could be quite a lot - as the potential meanings behind the mysterious Dumb Woman's Lane in Rye, East Sussex have been revealed.
Due to the fact it could be interpreted as being quite insulting, Dumb Woman's Lane has attracted its fair share of attention - and its silly signage is a prime photo opportunity for tourists and people travelling through the area.
But although most people would likely assume the 'Dumb Woman' was slow, uneducated, or just plain stupid, the story behind the name is something quite different.
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There are two main theories behind the name - the first being that the road was once a main route for smugglers bringing lace, brandy and tobacco into England from the 14th through to the 19th Century. The gruesome story goes that there was a poor, hapless woman who witnessed the contraband being hauled up the lane - but her tongue was cut out, so she couldn't report the crimes she was seeing.
Meanwhile, some have suggested that a mute woman who lived on the lane dispensed herbal remedies in the area, and so the street became known due to her significance in the local community.
Whichever story is true, the lane has gained itself a cult reputation - and was even home to the comedian, actor and writer Spike Milligan before his death in 2002.
But if you fancy moving to one of the South East's most famous streets, you'd better get saving - as houses on the road go for up to an estimated £1.5 million.