The Cinque Ports, along the South East Coast of England, were originated during Henry ll reign in the 12th. Century, being first mentioned in the Royal Charter of 1155.
They were started with five ports: Dover, Sandwich, Romney, Hythe and Hastings, originally to provide the Crown with a "ships service" of 57 ships, each with a crew of 21 men and a boy, for 15 days each year.
The main five Cinque Ports (pronounced SINK, not SANK) weren't always able to provide the needs of the King, so two more main ports were added - Rye and Winchelsea, but they still needed help, so sought assistance from other Towns and villages, calling them "limbs".
The Main Cinque Ports with their "limbs" attached, were :- Dover - Faversham, Folkestone and Margate
- *Sandwich - Deal and Ramsgate
- Romney - Lydd
- Hythe - no limbs
- Hastings - no limbs
- Winchelsea - no limbs
- Rye - Tenterden
They were not only used in times of war, but also to provide transport for the King, members of his entourage and his armies, to and from Normandy and other parts of the Continent.
In return for this, the Ports were granted rights, which included:- Freedom from toll and similar taxes and duties
- Exemption from the jurisdiction of external courts
- The right to levy local taxes, to hold their own courts and punish offenders.
- The right to carry the canopy over the head of the Sovereign during the Coronation procession and to dine at his or her right hand, at the subsequent banquet
- The right to dry and mend their nets and to organise a large and lucrative Herring Fair each year in order to sell their catch (of herrings) at the mouth of the river Yare (Yarmouth) in Norfolk.
The cause of their decline however, was due to the coastline changes that were taking place; some ports were no longer navigable and in some cases actually landlocked.
In 1588 the Cinque Ports fleet carried out its last action, in the Spanish Armada and in 1663, the Cinque Ports Bailiffs made their final appearance at the Yarmouth Herring Fair.
Dover is now the only Head Port to retain an important Harbour and is now Europe's busiest passenger port.
Since the 13th Century the title of Lord Warden (created to hold some order over the behaviour of these Towns), has also included that of Constable of Dover Castle and Admiral of the Ports.
The involvement with the Ports affairs, continued long after the Confederation (of the Cinque Ports) had lost its power and in 1606 when Dover Harbour and the land surrounding it, was transferred by Royal Charter to the (then) newly formed Dover Harbour Board, the then Lord Warden was elected head of the Board.
Dover has long been the place where the ceremonies for the installation of the Lord Warden have taken place, most recently at the ancient Priory of St. Martins, within the grounds of Dover College.
There have been many famous people who have taken up the post of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports; the post is for life. Past Lord Wardens, include:- Henry V
- Henry Vlll
- *William Pitt
- The Duke of Wellington (1829 - 1852)
- Sir Winston Churchill (1941 - 1965)
- Sir Robert Menzies (1965 - 1978)
The most recent Lord Warden, was the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1978 - 2002). The new Lord Warden has just been announced, two years after the Queen Mother?s sad passing.
The new Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is to be
Admiral, The Lord Michael Boyce, GCB, OBE, DL
Admiral Boyce (61) said it was a great surprise, but he is absolutely delighted that the Navy has been honoured and intends to be an approachable and pro-active Lord Warden.
The date of the Investiture of Admiral, The Lord Michael Boyce, will be April 12th 2005.
The home of the Lord Warden, is Walmer Castle, owned by English Heritage.
Walmer Castle is a small, but beautiful Tudor Castle, built by Henry VIII; housing many artifacts of past Wardens, including the Duke of Wellington's boots, furniture and the bed he died on (he died at Walmer Castle).
The gardens at Walmer Castle are an absolute delight to walk around and there is a resident gardener to ensure the gardens are kept perfect, what ever the season; being a place of pleasure and solace to the late Queen Mother.
All three Castles (Dover Deal and Walmer) are a must for any visitor, as are their respective Towns; all offering something different, but very, very valuable - a peek into England's past.
Please visit the following web-sites for accommodation and information on these and other historic sites and attractions in the area: For further information on the Cinque Ports, please visit the following web-site: