The five refers to the five south coast ports of Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich, and what is effectively a grouping formed for trade and military reasons has a history that goes way back to 1155. This took the form of a Royal Charter that gave the five ports privileges in return for certain obligations to the Crown in times of need. As you would probably guess “times of need” normally referred to battles and invasions as these were pretty regular occurrences as England's history unfolded.
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| Quaint, as only a cinque port can be |
“Fifty seven ships for 15 days' service to the king annually, each port fulfilling a proportion of the whole duty.” was how the obligation was phrased and in return, the privileges were pretty wide ranging. Translated from the old English language into more modern usage, the ports could expect the following from the crown, represented by Edward I at the time.
“Exemption from tax and tolls; self-government; permission to levy tolls, punish those who shed blood or flee justice, punish minor offences, detain and execute criminals both inside and outside the port's jurisdiction, and punish breaches of the peace; and possession of lost goods that remain unclaimed after a year, goods thrown overboard, and floating wreckage.”
Smuggling increased because of the latitude shown to the five ports, becoming an important industry in its own right. Another reason for the grouping was that the Royal Navy was beginning to grow and ports around the country were growing rapidly. There was the appointment of a lord warden, also holding the title of The Constable of Dover Castle.
Nothing stands still in life and as time progressed some of the ports declined and even silted up, with none of the facilities that we take for granted these days in keeping clear passage. The consequence was that in the twelfth century, Rye and Winchelsea were added on to Hastings, and in the fifteenth century, what are loosely known as “corporate limbs” were added. This action meant that places such as Ramsgate, Margate, Tenterden, Deal, Folkestone, Faversham and Lydd were added along with lesser ports which would known as “non-corporate limbs”.
Decline continued, and in a part of England's coast where there is coastal erosion and reconfiguration Hastings no longer has a harbour, Hythe is silted up and New Romney and Sandwich are no longer on the coast. By the reign of Elizabeth I the original cinque ports were no longer of any great significance and were eventually absorbed into the rest of the country. Continuous tinkering with legislation has diminished their powers completely and the importance of the cinque ports has now become all but a slightly quirky episode in the rich tapestry of our history.
The position of Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports remains and is considered to be one of the oldest military honours available in Britain. Currently held by Admiral Michael Boyce since 2004, eminent past holders of the post include Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Sir Winston Churchill, The First Duke of Wellington, William Pitt, and Prince Henry, later King Henry VIII.. Obviously in view of the decline of the cinque ports ideal, the post is now purely ceremonial. There are a number of events that keep the tradition going and full ceremonial garb is worn on these occasions.
Having started life as an important trade and military agreement, the cinque ports have now become part of the beautifully constructed machine that is British history. It might also explain why the tradition is still upheld with such enthusiasm on the south east coast of England.
Hastings
New Romney
Hythe
Dover
Sandwich
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