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:
“It is true, we are such poor navigators that our thoughts, for the most part, stand off and on upon a harborless coast, are conversant only with the bights of the bays of poesy, or steer for the public ports of entry, and go into the dry docks of science, where they merely refit for this world, and no natural currents concur to individualize them.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)