WINCHELSEA, a town in Sussex, which has no market, but has one fair on May 14, for cattle and pedlars-ware. It was an ancient place, at least the old town, which was swallowed up by the ocean in 1250. It is now dwindled to a mean place, though it retains its privileges, and sends two members to parliament. It is seated on a rocky cliff, on an inlet of the sea; and had a haven, now choked up. It had 18 parish-churches, now reduced to one. The market-house is in the midst of the town, from whence run four paved streets, at the end of which are four ways, which had formerly buildings on each side for a considerable distance. It is 2 miles south-west of Rye, and 71 south-east of London. It is governed by a mayor and jurats, though it has but about 70 houses. Three of the gates are still standing, but much decayed. E. Long. 45. N. Lat. 50. 58.