five havens that lie on the east part of England, towards France; thus called by way of eminence on account of their superior importance, as having been thought by our kings to merit a particular regard for their preservation against invasion. Hence they have a particular policy, and are governed by a keeper with the title of Lord-warden of the Cinque-ports.
Cambden tells us, that William the Conqueror first appointed a warden of the Cinque-ports; but King John first granted them their privileges; and that upon condition they should provide 80 ships at their own charge for 40 days, as often as the king should have occasion in the wars; he being then straitened for a navy to recover Normandy.
The five ports are, Haftings, Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich.—Thorn tells us, that Haftings provided 21 vessels, and in each vessel 21 men. To this port belong Seaford, Pevensey, Hedney, Winchelley, Rye, Hanime, Wakefoburn, Creneth, and Forthelipe.—Romney provided five ships, and in each 24 men. To this belong Bromhal, Lyde, Ofwardone, Dangemarcs, and Romenhal.—Hythe furnished five ships, and in each 21 seamen. To this belongs Wellmeath.—Dover the same number as Haftings. To this belong Folkeston, Feversham, and Marge.—Laftly, Sandwich furnished the same with Hythe. To this belong Fordiwick, Reculver, Serre, and Deal.
The privileges granted to them in consequence of these services were very great. Amongst others, they were each of them to send two barons to represent them in parliament; their deputies were to bear the canopy over the king's head at the time of his coronation, and to dine at the uppermost table in the great hall on his right hand; to be exempted from subsidies and other aids; their heirs to be free from personal wardship, notwithstanding any tenure; to be impleaded in their own towns, and not elsewhere; not to be liable to tolls, &c.
The Cinque-ports give the following titles: Haftings, a barony to the ancient family of Huntington; Romney, to the Marshams; Dover, new barony, to a branch of the York family; formerly a dukedom (now extinct) to the Queensberry family; Sandwich, an earldom to a branch of the Montagues.