A brief history
The Cinque Ports are a group of five South-Eastern harbours: Sandwich, Dover, Hythe, New Romney and Hastings, with later additions the ancient towns of Rye and Winchelsea.
Under Edward the Confessor these ports provided men and ships to fight sea battles and provide transport to the continent. This ship service formed the first navy and continued for over 300 years until larger ships were needed by the navy.
In return for their support, the ports were granted privileges outlined in a series of Royal Charters, including:
- Exemption from taxes;
- The right to levy tolls and self-govern;
- Power to seize and punish criminals; and
- Authority to compel criminals to divulge the source of their stolen goods.
In 1287 a great storm caused the harbours to silt up, blocked rivers and submerged towns, and the coastline has continued to change considerably over the centuries. Nonetheless, the Cinque Ports have retained their status and privileges.
A Lord Warden has been in charge of the Cinque Ports since the 12th century, although today it is an honorary position which has been held by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (1978-2002), Sir Robert Menzies, former Prime Minister of Australia (1966-78) and Sir Winston Churchill (1941-65). The present Lord Warden is Admiral Lord Boyce.
Beryl Sinclair