Cinque ports

 The term “Cinque ports” is Norman French for “five ports”.  It refers to the ancient ports of Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich on the coast of Kent and Sussex in southeast England.  In 1155, King Henry II issued a Royal Charter requiring these ports to maintain ships ready for use by the Crown in case of need, referred to as “ship service”.  In exchange, the ports received increased self-government; exemption from various tolls and taxes (as well as permission to levy their own tolls); and possession of wrecks washed ashore in their vicinity.  The ships provided by the Cinque ports provided the basis for the eventual establishment of the Royal Navy – or, as it was known during the reign of King Henry VIII – the “Navy Royal”.  Various nearby ports were added over time, so that there were eventually 23 so-called “limbs”.  Time, though, was not friendly to the Cinque ports.  The monarchy became more consolidated, relying less on dukes, barons, and towns for support.  Other ports rose to prominence.  Much of the port of Hastings was washed away by erosion in the 13th century.  The port of New Romney was blocked by shifting sands during the great storm of 1287.  The natural harbor at Hythe has been removed by centuries of silting.  Sandwich is now located two miles inland.  Only Dover, of the original Cinque ports, is still functioning as a seaport.  No matter.  The Confederation of Cinque Ports continues.  Meetings of the fourteen current Cinque ports are presided over by the Speaker.  The ceremonial head of the group bears the title “Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle”.  Back when the Cinque Ports were responsible for the coastal defense of England, this was an extremely important and powerful position.  For many years, representatives of the Cinque ports carried the canopy above the monarch during the coronation of the new king or queen.  Although this privilege has faded away, the Cinque ports retain the right to attend the coronation ceremony.  Mayors of the fourteen Cinque ports still meet annually, dressed in ceremonial robes, carrying on a centuries-old tradition.