The Confederation of Cinque Ports (/sɪŋk poʊɹts/) is a historic series of coastal towns in Kent and Sussex. It was originally formed for military and trade purposes, but is now entirely ceremonial. It lies at the eastern end of the English Channel, where the crossing to the continent is narrowest. The name originates in Norman French, meaning "five ports", which are:
- Hastings
- New Romney
- Hythe
- Dover
- Sandwich
Other towns also contribute to the confederation, including two Antient (see e.g.) Towns, and seven Limbs.
Read more about Cinque Ports: Antient Towns, Limbs, Connected Towns, Decline, Heraldry, Cinque Ports Acts 1811 To 1872
Famous quotes containing the word ports:
“I need not tell you of the inadequacy of the American shipping marine on the Pacific Coast.... For this reason it seems to me that there is no subject to which Congress can better devote its attention in the coming session than the passage of a bill which shall encourage our merchant marine in such a way as to establish American lines directly between New York and the eastern ports and South American ports, and both our Pacific Coast ports and the Orient and the Philippines.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)