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The Cinque Ports (sink not sank) are (as the name might suggest) five ports along the southeast coast that were given special privileges in 1278. The ports, Sandwich, Dover, Hythe, New Romney and Hastings, were picked because they were closest to France, had good shelter and could supply many men quickly. The idea was that in return for the right to hold their own courts, charge duty on imports and catches of fish etc, the port would have to provide ships and men for the king whenever required.
We started our trip at Walmer Castle, built by Henry VIII during the period that he most feared attack from Rome. This fine building, which cannot be missed, is on the coast road in Walmer. It later became a manor house and home to the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. The Lord Warden's job was to keep an eye on the ports which had become a touch too big for their boots. Many famous people have held the position and stayed at Walmer including the Duke of Wellington (who died there), Winston Churchill and HM The Queen Mother.
Next Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Apart from having a lovely name this miniature railway was opened in 1927 and runs for 14 miles along the coast. It was always intended to be a commercial railway and was the dream of a potty millionaire who you will find buried in a gin bottle at New Romney Station on the A259 trunk road.
Martello Towers are 74 round defensive towers built all the way along the south coast when Britain most feared invasion by Napoleon in 1805. Each tower was given a number and tower number 3 on Eastcliff in Folkestone is well worth a visit.
On to Dover, by far the most important of the Cinque Ports throughout history. Dover Castle cannot be missed. Everything lies within its walls, and under them! From Iron Age forts through to Hellfire Corner and the Second World War this castle has it all. Around every corner there is something to take your breath away. Under the castle are miles of tunnels used since Napoleonic times, and fascinating tours leave every few minutes.
The Listening Walls at Romney Marches near Greatstone are not for the faint hearted. Finding them is almost impossible, they actually lie between Lydd airport and the holiday camp at Greatstone on the B2071 out of New Romney. The walls were early experiments with concrete structures, shaped rather like satellite dishes, they were supposed to hear the sound of approaching enemy aircraft. They didn't, radar did!
Sandwich is not a port these days because the area has silted up. The new land became home to St George's Golf Club. Still owned by the members of an exclusive London club, it is now one of England's top clubs.
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