What is the Cinque Ports?
Q: What is the Cinque Ports?
A: The Cinque Ports is a confederation of coastal towns in Kent and Sussex that was originally formed for military and trade purposes, but is now ceremonial. It was established by Royal Charter in 1155 and its name means "five ports" in Norman French. The five original ports were Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich.
Q: How did Rye become part of the Cinque Ports?
A: Rye became part of the Cinque Ports after New Romney was damaged by storms and silted up. As it was originally a subsidiary of New Romney, it changed to become one of the five ports when New Romney could no longer be used as a port.
Q: What are the limbs of the Cinque Ports?
A: The limbs of the Cinque Ports are other towns on the coast that are associated with or support the federation. These include Lydd (Limb of New Romney), Folkestone (Limb of Dover), Faversham (Limb of Dover), Margate (Limb of Dover), Deal (Limb of Sandwich), Ramsgate (Limb of Sandwich) and Brightlingsea (Limbof Sandwich). Tenterden is also considered to be a limb, although it is not located directly on the coast; it is considered to be a limb because it supports Rye which is one of the five original ports.
Q: Where are these towns located?
A: All these towns are located at eastern end English Channel where crossing to continent narrowest. Some are directly on coast while others few miles back from coast such as Tenterden which supports Rye which one original five ports.
Q: What purpose does this Federation serve?
A: This Federation serves both ceremonial and defence purposes; originally formed for military trade purposes but now mainly ceremonial in nature. It also includes two towns Winchelsea Rye which once supported militias could used for defence area if necessary.
Q: Who established this federation?
A: This federation was established by Royal Charter 1155 during reign King Henry II England Normandy France time period known Norman Conquest England Wales Scotland Ireland 1066-1154 CE .
