Dr Sam Willis looks to the unique history of the Cinque Ports in the new Mariner’s Mirror Podcast mini series
The Society of Nautical Research are delighted to be producing, alongside long-term partners at the Lloyds Register Foundation, a new ‘mini-series’ of episodes for the Mariner’s Mirror Podcast in collaboration with the Cinque Ports confederation.
About the mini-series:
In the eleventh century during the reign of Edward the Confessor, five ports in the south-east of England joined together into a confederation for mutual protection and trade privileges. Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich were the original five ports; they were subsequently joined by Lydd, Faversham, Folkestone, Deal, Tenterden, Margate and Ramsgate which became known as ‘Limbs’ of the Cinque Ports; and then Rye and Winchelsea, designated as ‘Ancient Towns’. In this series we explore some of the individual towns that make up the confederation, to get a sense of their intriguing past and dynamic present.
The nominal head of the Cinque Ports was given the title of ‘Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports’ and became one of the most influential people in the Kingdom. Over time the position has retained its significance and has often been held by members of the Royal Family and Prime Ministers. Although the Lord Warden plays a central role in maintaining the legacy of the Cinque Ports it is also the communities that make up the confederation today that are ensuring that its heritage is not forgotten.
To find out more, Dr Sam Willis explores the deep history of the Cinque Ports and speaks to those who keep the history of these unique places alive. Traveling across the south east coast of England he meets with archaeologists, historians, former and current mayors, town tour guides, clerks and parishioners to understand what makes these places not just important to British maritime historians but so special to those that live and work in such historic environments.
Introduction
This episode is the first of a series on the history of the Cinque Ports in which we bring you a mixture of fascinating history alongside a glimpse into contemporary life in these vibrant and ancient maritime towns. Dr Sam Willis explores the deep history of the Cinque Ports with archaeologist and historian Dr Andrew Richardson and also speaks with Sue Jones, former Mayor of Dover and twice Speaker of the Cinque Ports. We also bring you along for a very special day at the Royal Military School in Dover to witness the installation of the new Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral Sir George Zambellas.
