Publications
The great and ancient Charter of the Cinque-Ports of Our Lord the King, and of members of the same, published 1682 (bound photocopy, 141 pp., London: Printed by T.N. for the Mayor and Jurats of Hastings) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Charters of the Cinque Ports: Two Ancient Towns, and their Members [completed in 1678 and published in 1728], by Samuel Jeake, published 1728 (iv + 190 pp., London: Bernard Lintot) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
The Great and Ancient Charter of the Cinque-ports, edited by C. Mate, published 1807 (Dover: Shakespeare Office, Market Place)
Coronation ceremonies and customs relative to Barons of the Cinque Ports, as supporters of the canopy, by T. Mantell, F.A.S., F.L.S., published 1820 (Dover: G. Ledger)
Parliamentary History - The Cinque Ports, by William Durrant Cooper, published 1835 in The History, Antiquities and Topography of the County of Sussex (appendix III, article, pp.58-59) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2397][Lib 3212] & The Keep [LIB/507380][Lib/500088] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
On the Seals of the Sussex Cinque Ports, by M. A. Lower, published 1848 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 1, article, pp.14-25) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2086] & The Keep [LIB/500220] & S.A.S. library View Online
The Vessels of the Cinque Ports, and their Employment, by W. H. Blaauw, published 1851 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 4, article, pp.101-124) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2089] & The Keep [LIB/500223] & S.A.S. library View Online
Memorials of the Town, Parish and Cinque-port of Seaford, Historical and Antiquarian, by Mark Antony Lower, M.A., F.S.A., published 1854 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 7, article, pp.73-150) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2092] & The Keep [LIB/500226] & S.A.S. library View Online
Recorde of Thomas Lake, bailiff to Yarmouth from Hastings, and Henry Lennarde, bailiff to Yarmouth from Dover, in 1588, edited by Thomas Ross, published 1860 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 12, article, pp.159-195) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2097] & The Keep [LIB/500231] & S.A.S. library View Online
Banner of Cinque Ports, by Thomas Ross, published 1860 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 12, notes & queries, p.269) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2097] & The Keep [LIB/500231] & S.A.S. library View Online
The Services of the Barons of the Cinque Ports at Coronations, by Thomas Ross, published 1863 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 15, article, pp.178-210) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2100] & The Keep [LIB/500234] & S.A.S. library View Online
A Feast Temp. Hen. VII (1500), by Thomas Ross, published 1863 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 15, notes & queries, p.246) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2100] & The Keep [LIB/500234] & S.A.S. library View Online
Old Seals of the Cinque Ports, and Notices of the Barons, temp. Edward III, by T. Ross, published 1865 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 17, article, pp.64-69) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2102] & The Keep [LIB/500236] & S.A.S. library View Online
Six reasons of the Cinque Ports showing why they should continue exempt from payment of Subsidies, by Thomas Ross, published 1865 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 17, article, pp.137-141) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2102] & The Keep [LIB/500236] & S.A.S. library View Online
Cinque Ports' Summons to Hastings, by Thomas Ross, published 1865 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 17, notes & queries, p.258) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2102] & The Keep [LIB/500236] & S.A.S. library View Online
Cinque-Port Law in 1742, by Samuel Evershed [probably], published 1866 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 18, notes & queries, pp.188-189) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2103] & The Keep [LIB/500237] & S.A.S. library View Online
Historic Towns: Cinque Ports, by Montague Burrows, published 1888 (2nd edition, vii + 261 pp., Longmans, Green & Co.) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/504741] & R.I.B.A. Library
From the North Foreland to Penzance [includes Cinque Ports, Newhaven, Shoreham and Littlehampton], by Clive Holland and illustrated by Maurice Randall, published 1908 (xvi + 334 pp., London: Chatto & Windus) accessible at: & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries View Online
The Cinque Ports under Henry II, by A. Ballard, published October 1909 in The English Historical Review (vol. xxiv, issue xcvi, article, pp.732-733, ISSN: 0013-8266) accessible at: University of Sussex Library View Online
The Cinque Ports Gazette. An Active Service Magazine for All Ranks of the 5th Royal Sussex Regiment, published 1916 accessible at: W.S.R.O. [RSR/MSS/5/87] & British Library
The Cinque ports and their coastline, by E. Marjorie Ward, published 1916 in Geographical Teacher (vol. 8, no. 5, article, pp.306-311)
An Old Gate of England: Rye, Romney Marsh, and the Western Cinque Ports, by A. G. Bradley, published 1918 (London: Robert Scott) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries View Online
England's Outpost: The Country of the Kentish Cinque Ports, by A. G. Bradley, published 1920 (London: Robert Scott) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries View Online
The Story of the Cinque Ports, by A. G. Bradley, published 1925 (65 pp., Rye: Deacon) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
The geographical history of the Cinque Ports, by J.A. Williamson, published July 1926 in History (New series, vol. 11, no. 42, article, pp.97-115)
The Geographical History of the Cinque Ports, by J. A. Williamson, published July 1926 in History (vol. 11(42), article, pp.97-115) accessible at: University of Sussex Library
The Sussex Ships of the Cinque Ports Fleet in 1300 , by N. F. Ticehurst, published August 1926 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. I no. 3, note, pp.78-79) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8950] & The Keep [LIB/500203] & S.A.S. library
The Cinque Ports, by F.W. Brooks, published 1929 in The Mariner's Mirror (15(2), article, pp.142-191)
The Cinque Ports' feud with Yarmouth in the thirteenth century, by F.W. Brooks, published 1933 in The Mariner's Mirror (19(1), article, pp.27-51)
A New History of Rye. IV - Rye becomes a full member of the Cinque Ports, by Leopold A. Vidler, published 1933 in Sussex County Magazine (vol. VII no. 4, article, pp.236-241) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2312] & The Keep [LIB/500176]
The Constitutional History of the Cinque Ports, by Katherine Maud E. Murray, published 1935 (282 pp., Manchester University Press) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2548] & East Sussex Libraries
The Cinque Ports and the Coronation, by L. A. Vidler, published 1936 in Sussex County Magazine (vol. X no. 12, article, pp.816-821) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2315][Lib 9331] & The Keep [LIB/500181]
The Victoria History of the County of Sussex, edited by L. F. Salzman, M.A., F.S.A., published 1937 (vol. 9: The Rape of Hastings, xv + 279 pp. (facsimile edition published 1973), London: Victoria County History, ISBN-10: 0712905901 & ISBN-13: 9780712905909) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2402] & The Keep [LIB/500080][Lib/504285] & R.I.B.A. Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Borough of Hastings, Cinque Ports, Borough of Rye, Winchelsea.
Baldslow Hundred: Crowhurst, Hollington, Ore, Westfield
Battle Hundred: Battle, Whatlington
Review in Sussex Notes and Queries, November 1937.:Baldslow Hundred: Crowhurst, Hollington, Ore, Westfield
Battle Hundred: Battle, Whatlington
The issue of a volume of this County History is looked forward to with keen interest, and the new volume fully maintains the high standard expected. It will, no doubt, make a wide appeal from the fact that the area covered contains such well-known places as Battle Abbey, Bodiam Castle and Herstmonceux Castle, as well as the ancient Towns of Rye and Winchelsea.
An editorial note explains that Dr. William Page at the time of his death was preparing the material for the volume, which is geographically the ninth volume of the History, though fourth in order of issue. Then, following a general account of the Rape and Honour of Hastings, the Borough of Hastings is dealt with from every conceivable aspect, descriptive, architectural, historical, economic, manorial and ecclesiastical; the castle and churches receive particular attention, and the article concludes with the unusual but useful feature - adopted also throughout the volume - of a detailed statement of the various Charities, in this case extending to no less than five and a half pages. Truly Hastings has been favoured with a host of benefactors, not the least being the compilers of this history, the study of which greatly enhances one's respect for this ancient port.
The story of the Cinque Ports is probably the most complete that has ever been written; and under this head the Boroughs of Rye and Winchelsea receive similar treatment to that accorded to Hastings. In the remaining 200 pages of the volume each of the thirteen Hundreds in the Rape, with the parishes and manors they contain, comes under review, and when we add that 40 ancient parishes and over 140 manors are included, some idea will be gathered of the enormous amount of research involved. The architectural descriptions of the churches are in nearly every case accompanied by dated ground plans, and we note that the responsibility for these plans is shared by Mr. W. H. Godfrey and Mr. John E. Ray, while the actual draughtmanship is by Mr. E. F. Harvey whose excellent work is familiar to the readers of these pages.
A statement concerning the officers of the Hundred of Foxearle (p.125), which is apparently a quotation from the Burrell MSS. calls for some comment, as the position suggested seems to depart from the normal. We read :- "The officers of the hundred, who were always chosen at the Easter court, were two headboroughs, only one of whom was sworn, two constables and two alderman". This is not altogether borne out by the Court Rolls which show that in the time of Henry VIII the officers were chosen at an Easter court, as stated, but in the reign of Elizabeth and also in the late 17th century, for which periods alone rolls are available, the elections were at the Michaelmas court. In regard to headboroughs, we find as might be expected, that each of the six tithings had one headborough ; two names in each case were put before the court, but the second was an alternative choice, failing the first, who was usually appointed and sworn. Two constables and one alderman were appointed for the hundred, but another may have been appointed at the Lawday which is mentioned as being held for Boreham and Wareing.
The detailed descriptions of the devolution of the various manors furnish a mass of useful genealogical material, and perhaps one of the most noticeable cases is that of the manor of Pett (p.191) which on the death of the last male member of the Thatcher family in or about 1650 became divisible, with the other family estates, between his seven sisters or their descendants, involving some 10 marriages and much sub-division of the shares. It is said with truth that after 1650 the division is confused, but what happened later is clear. In 1698 a partition of the estates was made and the manors of Pett and Mersham fell to the share of Andrew Wharton, and it was he who sold to Joseph Gage in 1699.
In conclusion, we must mention the illustrations which add greatly to the interest and beauty of the volume; there are 30 full-page plates of photographic reproductions of very high merit, besides many line drawings in the text, and other plans besides those of the churches already mentioned. Altogether it is a sumptious book and the Editor and his staff and all connected with its publication are to be warmly congratulated upon their work.
An editorial note explains that Dr. William Page at the time of his death was preparing the material for the volume, which is geographically the ninth volume of the History, though fourth in order of issue. Then, following a general account of the Rape and Honour of Hastings, the Borough of Hastings is dealt with from every conceivable aspect, descriptive, architectural, historical, economic, manorial and ecclesiastical; the castle and churches receive particular attention, and the article concludes with the unusual but useful feature - adopted also throughout the volume - of a detailed statement of the various Charities, in this case extending to no less than five and a half pages. Truly Hastings has been favoured with a host of benefactors, not the least being the compilers of this history, the study of which greatly enhances one's respect for this ancient port.
The story of the Cinque Ports is probably the most complete that has ever been written; and under this head the Boroughs of Rye and Winchelsea receive similar treatment to that accorded to Hastings. In the remaining 200 pages of the volume each of the thirteen Hundreds in the Rape, with the parishes and manors they contain, comes under review, and when we add that 40 ancient parishes and over 140 manors are included, some idea will be gathered of the enormous amount of research involved. The architectural descriptions of the churches are in nearly every case accompanied by dated ground plans, and we note that the responsibility for these plans is shared by Mr. W. H. Godfrey and Mr. John E. Ray, while the actual draughtmanship is by Mr. E. F. Harvey whose excellent work is familiar to the readers of these pages.
A statement concerning the officers of the Hundred of Foxearle (p.125), which is apparently a quotation from the Burrell MSS. calls for some comment, as the position suggested seems to depart from the normal. We read :- "The officers of the hundred, who were always chosen at the Easter court, were two headboroughs, only one of whom was sworn, two constables and two alderman". This is not altogether borne out by the Court Rolls which show that in the time of Henry VIII the officers were chosen at an Easter court, as stated, but in the reign of Elizabeth and also in the late 17th century, for which periods alone rolls are available, the elections were at the Michaelmas court. In regard to headboroughs, we find as might be expected, that each of the six tithings had one headborough ; two names in each case were put before the court, but the second was an alternative choice, failing the first, who was usually appointed and sworn. Two constables and one alderman were appointed for the hundred, but another may have been appointed at the Lawday which is mentioned as being held for Boreham and Wareing.
The detailed descriptions of the devolution of the various manors furnish a mass of useful genealogical material, and perhaps one of the most noticeable cases is that of the manor of Pett (p.191) which on the death of the last male member of the Thatcher family in or about 1650 became divisible, with the other family estates, between his seven sisters or their descendants, involving some 10 marriages and much sub-division of the shares. It is said with truth that after 1650 the division is confused, but what happened later is clear. In 1698 a partition of the estates was made and the manors of Pett and Mersham fell to the share of Andrew Wharton, and it was he who sold to Joseph Gage in 1699.
In conclusion, we must mention the illustrations which add greatly to the interest and beauty of the volume; there are 30 full-page plates of photographic reproductions of very high merit, besides many line drawings in the text, and other plans besides those of the churches already mentioned. Altogether it is a sumptious book and the Editor and his staff and all connected with its publication are to be warmly congratulated upon their work.
Dengemarsh and the Cinque Ports , by K. M. E. Murray, published October 1939 in The English Historical Review (vol. liv, issue ccxvi, article, pp.664-673, ISSN: 0013-8266) View Online
The Cinque Ports, by W. Maclean Homan, published May 1943 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. IX no. 6, article, pp.134-135) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8227][Lib 2208] & The Keep [LIB/500211] & S.A.S. library
Cinque Ports, by Ronald Jessup, published 1952 (Methuen & Batsford) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries
The Ships of the Cinque Ports in 1586/7, by J. Manwaring Baines, curator of the Hastings Museum, published November 1952 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XIII nos. 11 & 12, article, pp.241-244) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8231] & The Keep [LIB/500215] & S.A.S. library
Hastings and the Cinque Ports Coat of Arms, by Leopold A. Vdler, published May 1954 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XIV nos. 1 & 2, note, pp.27-28) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8232][Lib 2213] & The Keep [LIB/500216] & S.A.S. library
John Philipot's Roll of the Constables of Dover Castle and Lord Wardens of the Cinque Ports, 1627, edited by Francis W. Steer, published 1956 (London: G. Bell & Sons) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/504243] & West Sussex Libraries
Review by L. F. S. [L. F. Salzman] in Sussex Notes and Queries, November 1956:Among the Ashburnham muniments now deposited in the East Sussex Record Office is the original of this volume. It was compiled by John Philipot, Somerset Herald, for presentation to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, and Lord Warden, of whom a fine portrait forms the frontispiece of this book. It consists of brief notices of the Constables and Wardens - real or alleged - from the time of Edward the Confessor down to 1627, each with a coloured drawing of his shield of arms. It is these shields which, although the earlier are apocryphal or antedated, give value and charm to the book; they have all been carefully and exactly reproduced by Mr. Steer and make an attractive display of heraldry. Many of the coats have connections with Sussex - as Ashburnham, Burghersh, FitzAlan, Fynes, Guldeford, Poynings, etc. Mr. Steer gives a useful Introduction on Philipot and his Roll; and the present distinguished Lord Warden, Sir Winston Churchill, contributes a commendatory Foreword.
The Cinque Port Towns: a comparative geographical study, by M. Wright, 1965 at University of London (Ph.D. thesis)
The archival history of the Cinque Ports, by Felix Hull B.A., Ph.D., published 1965 in Journal of the Society of Archivists (3(1), article, pp.15-19)
A calendar of the White and Black Books of the Cinque Ports, 1432-1955, edited by Felix Hull, published 1966 (xlii + 818 pp., London: H.M.S.O.) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/501971] & East Sussex Libraries
Rye Shipping Records, 1565-1590, edited by Richard F. Dell, published 1966 (vol. 64, Sussex Record Society) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8064][Lib 2280] & The Keep [LIB/506359][Lib/506616] & West Sussex Libraries
Review in Sussex Notes and Queries, November 1965:The Sussex Record Society in its forthcoming volume breaks new ground in the field of local history. Who owned, built and financed the shipping of Elizabethan England upon which the maritime greatness of this country was based? What was the daily life of the men who manned the fleet in July, 1588, really like? Rye was an important member of the Cinque Ports and the main cross-channel port of the day. From its extensive records texts have been selected to illustrate every aspect of the maritime life of the community; building and fitting out, hiring and freighting, voyages and profits, conditions of service and the hazards of the mariner's calling from war, piracy and the sea itself. The part played by Rye in the fishing industry is also examined. Two groups of records printed are believed to be unique: the trading accounts of a small merchantman showing the profits of ship ownership as distinct from those of the merchants freighting the ship, and the records of the town's provision of a ship that served in the Channel against the Armada. A contemporary drawing of the variety of shipping in Rye harbour is included.
In addition to the select texts mentioned, the book contains a chronological analysis of shipping movements in the port compiled from the Exchequer Port Books and the parallel series of Local Customs Accounts surviving in the town's archives.
A full introduction to the customs system of Rye and the municipal control of maritime activity is provided, and notes throughout the volume indicate the existence of related documents not included in the text. A special study of ships owned by the town is included. There is a glossary and index.
In addition to the select texts mentioned, the book contains a chronological analysis of shipping movements in the port compiled from the Exchequer Port Books and the parallel series of Local Customs Accounts surviving in the town's archives.
A full introduction to the customs system of Rye and the municipal control of maritime activity is provided, and notes throughout the volume indicate the existence of related documents not included in the text. A special study of ships owned by the town is included. There is a glossary and index.
The Cinque Ports and Coronation Services, by J. Manwaring Baines, published 1968 (15 pp., Hastings: Hastings Museum) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/502751] & East Sussex Libraries
The Cinque Ports Battalion. The Story of the 5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment (TA), formerly 1st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteer Corps., by E. A. C. Fazan, published 1971 (176 pp., Chichester: Royal Sussex Regimental Association) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
The Heraldry of the Cinque Ports, by Geoffrey Williams, published 15 April 1971 (176 pp., David and Charles, ISBN-10: 0715351923 & ISBN-13: 9780715351925) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Lord Wardens and Elections, 1604-1628, by John K. Gruenfelder, published 1976 in Journal of British Studies (vol. 16, no. 1, article, pp.1-23)
Concerns Cinque ports in both Kent and Sussex.
History, people and places of the Cinque Ports, by Edward Hinings, published 30 January 1976 (144 pp., Bourne End: Spurbooks, ISBN-10: 0902875906 & ISBN-13: 9780902875906) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
A social and economic study of the Cinque ports region 1450-1600, by G. Brindle, 1980 at Kent University (Ph.D. thesis)
The Book of Rye: An Ancient Town of the Cinque Ports Confederation, by Geoffrey Spink Bagley, published 1 August 1982 (132 pp., Barracuda Books Ltd., ISBN-10: 0860231437 & ISBN-13: 9780860231431) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/503488] & East Sussex Libraries
The Cinque Ports Liberty of Hastings - Land Tax 1785, edited by Roger Davey, published 1991 in East Sussex Land Tax, 1785 (Sussex Record Society, vol. 77, pp.233-241, ISBN-10: 0854450386 & ISBN-13: 9780854450381) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11681][Lib 13075] & The Keep [LIB/500454][Lib/507860] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Cinque Ports Liberty of Pevensey - Land Tax 1785, edited by Roger Davey, published 1991 in East Sussex Land Tax, 1785 (Sussex Record Society, vol. 77, pp.242-248, ISBN-10: 0854450386 & ISBN-13: 9780854450381) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11681][Lib 13075] & The Keep [LIB/500454][Lib/507860] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Cinque Ports Liberty of Rye - Land Tax 1785, edited by Roger Davey, published 1991 in East Sussex Land Tax, 1785 (Sussex Record Society, vol. 77, pp.248-254, ISBN-10: 0854450386 & ISBN-13: 9780854450381) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11681][Lib 13075] & The Keep [LIB/500454][Lib/507860] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Cinque Ports Liberty of Seaford - Land Tax 1785, edited by Roger Davey, published 1991 in East Sussex Land Tax, 1785 (Sussex Record Society, vol. 77, pp.254-256, ISBN-10: 0854450386 & ISBN-13: 9780854450381) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11681][Lib 13075] & The Keep [LIB/500454][Lib/507860] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Cinque Ports Liberty of Winchelsea - Land Tax 1785, edited by Roger Davey, published 1991 in East Sussex Land Tax, 1785 (Sussex Record Society, vol. 77, pp.257-259, ISBN-10: 0854450386 & ISBN-13: 9780854450381) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 11681][Lib 13075] & The Keep [LIB/500454][Lib/507860] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Naval Service of the Cinque Ports, by N. A. M. Rodger, published June 1996 in The English Historical Review (vol. cxi, issue 442, article, pp.636-651, ISSN: 0013-8266) accessible at: University of Sussex Library View Online
Rye: a history of a Sussex Cinque Port to 1660, by Gillian Draper, published 2 October 2009 (288 pp., Chichester: Phillimore & Co. Ltd., ISBN-10: 1860776078 & ISBN-13: 9781860776076) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/504284][Lib/506614] & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:This new illustrated history traces Rye's origins from the Norman Conquest until beyond its period of great prosperity under the Tudor monarchs.
Review by Margaret Pearce in Sussex Family Historian vol. 19 no. 1, March 2010:The author, Dr Gillian Draper, has a special interest in the history of towns in south-east England and this new illustrated history traces Rye's origins from the Norman Conquest until the 17th century.
Rye was an Ancient Town which formed part of the important Cinque Ports confederation of the Middle Ages and this fascinating account explains why modern Rye has its unique appearance. Many inhabitants were fishermen or small-scale merchants and owned vessels which they supplied for the King's ship-service, transporting members of the royal family across the Channel or, in wartime, carrying horses and provisions for soldiers. In times of truce Rye's mariners turned to piracy and wrecking, disrupting the cross-Channel trade on which the town's economy also depended.
Following a period of economic stagnation which saw the disappearance of many trades and crafts that had supported the residents, a revival came towards the end of the 15th century and Rye became a prosperous town with close links to the continent because of its Protestant sympathies, which ensured the arrival of many Huguenot refugees. For over a hundred years Rye continued as the main port in south-east England but was finally eclipsed by Dover in the 17th century.
For those wanting to know more about Rye's past this book will enlighten readers with its detailed chapters on mariners, pilgrims and pirates, economic and occupational activity, religious Rye and the Friaries, to name but a few. It is difficult to cover every interesting description of life in Rye during this period in this short review, but hope that this has whetted the appetites of family and local historians about the history of one of our attractive and much-visited Sussex towns.
Rye was an Ancient Town which formed part of the important Cinque Ports confederation of the Middle Ages and this fascinating account explains why modern Rye has its unique appearance. Many inhabitants were fishermen or small-scale merchants and owned vessels which they supplied for the King's ship-service, transporting members of the royal family across the Channel or, in wartime, carrying horses and provisions for soldiers. In times of truce Rye's mariners turned to piracy and wrecking, disrupting the cross-Channel trade on which the town's economy also depended.
Following a period of economic stagnation which saw the disappearance of many trades and crafts that had supported the residents, a revival came towards the end of the 15th century and Rye became a prosperous town with close links to the continent because of its Protestant sympathies, which ensured the arrival of many Huguenot refugees. For over a hundred years Rye continued as the main port in south-east England but was finally eclipsed by Dover in the 17th century.
For those wanting to know more about Rye's past this book will enlighten readers with its detailed chapters on mariners, pilgrims and pirates, economic and occupational activity, religious Rye and the Friaries, to name but a few. It is difficult to cover every interesting description of life in Rye during this period in this short review, but hope that this has whetted the appetites of family and local historians about the history of one of our attractive and much-visited Sussex towns.
Exploring the Cinque Ports, Ancient Towns and Liberties of Sussex, by David Ingram, published 31 May 2011 (160 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0752456288 & ISBN-13: 9780752456287)
Abstract:The Cinque Ports of Sussex lie along the vulnerable Sussex shore that has seen every invasion, or attempted invasion, since the time of the Romans. Until the creation of the Royal Navy these little ports held immense power as the guardians of this vital coast. The Portsmen were a lawless community, indulging in piracy and smuggling, leaving a rich heritage of secret hiding places and smuggler's lore in town and countryside. Times have changed since these towns were the original force behind England's maritime power but each town still retains its individual heritage of history and charm. With this book in hand you can discover the great deeds of the past, and explore the churches and other ancient buildings set in the stunning countryside of this beautiful corner of south-east England, the cradle of the Royal Navy.
The Value of the Cinque Ports to the Crown 1200?1500, by Susan Rose, published 15 March 2012 in Roles of the Sea in Medieval England (edited by Richard Gorski, pp.41-58, Boydell & Brewer, ISBN-10: 1843837013 & ISBN-13: 9781843837015) View Online
Abstract:In the Safeguard of the Sea, the first volume of his naval history of Britain, Nicholas Rodger points out that the Cinque Ports are 'usually given a place of honour in medieval history as the main component of English naval power', but, he goes on to say, 'it is not clear that they ever deserved it'. In this he contradicts the belief of many medievalists including, for example, Colin Richmond and Michael Prestwich, that at some undefined period the Ports did indeed provide essential naval service to the crown.
The contribution of the Cinque Ports to the wars of Edward II and Edward III: new methodologies and estimates, by Craig Lambert, published 15 March 2012 in Roles of the Sea in Medieval England (edited by Richard Gorski, pp.59-78, Boydell & Brewer, ISBN-10: 1843837013 & ISBN-13: 9781843837015) View Online
Abstract:During the summer of 1359 hundreds of English transport ships began to gather in the harbour of Sandwich, one of the founding members of the Cinque Ports. By August the assembled fleet had swelled to some 446 ships manned by 6,149 shipmasters and mariners. Aboard these vessels were the first contingents of what would become the most impressive army assembled by Edward III. Nobody aboard those ships would have considered that this would be Edward's last personal invasion of France.
Medieval Pirates: Pirates, Raiders and Privateers 1204-1453, by Jill Eddison, published 2 September 2013 (192 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0752481037 & ISBN-13: 9780752481036) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/508963] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Review by Richard Saville in Sussex Past & Present no. 132, April 2014:On coasts and in the ports of the Channel from the western approaches to Flanders Jill Eddison explains the potential for plunder, piracy and ship wrecking during the 250 years from 1204 to 1453. Early chapters guide us through the background and potential for conflict, describing the potential for loot from the medieval trade in Spanish iron, continental wines and salts, English wools, Cornish tin, and a host of rich clothes, tableware, furniture, and gradually, via the Genoese and Venetian merchants, the foodstuffs and medicines from Byzantium. The chapter on the evolution of shipbuilding gives a clear view of how the medieval mind grappled with boat design. Also how mariners hugged the islands and coasts which offered havens from Atlantic lows and the resulting storms, sailing without barometers, and utilising the experience of numerous voyages.
Fractured government during this era meant authority in ports was mediated by local merchants, their corporations, the barons, and the social strata sailing the boats; within which the consequent fluctuations between the power of local and national government gave space to privateering, piracy, ship wrecking and the plunder of ships seeking shelter from storms. The natural world added its woes and a social strata of mariners and townsmen emerged on both sides of the Channel, contemptuous of royal authority, a strata at once cruel and vicious, with little regard to ordinary sailors and folk ashore.
One is faced with legal and government evidence that numerous atrocities were committed by many in the south coast ports, especially by Cinque portsmen. This was certainly evident in times when kings declared war against France and Spain, though between such episodes the long stretches of uncertain conditions encouraged the portsmen to think only of themselves, to oppose regal authority when it suited, to attack supposed enemies, neutral shipping, and fishermen seen as competitors.
This book includes much material on the Cinque ports, which by the thirteenth century had morphed from basic trade and fishing communities into a cartel for looting ships, for attacking other ports, lounging around the Channel as a bandetti with piracy covered by the royal seal, conducting feuds both at home and abroad. Such warfare for self-interest, together with the royal claims to western France, leaves us a mass of useful archives.
This readable book is lavishly illustrated including 25 black and white drawings, photographs and well drawn maps, plus 15 colour photographs. Marcus Rediker's Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea drew our attention to the Caribbean pirates, and Jill Eddison's work will give a new focus to the history of our medieval channel, with its quite different social norms and cultures from the more civilised Europe of the early modern world.
Fractured government during this era meant authority in ports was mediated by local merchants, their corporations, the barons, and the social strata sailing the boats; within which the consequent fluctuations between the power of local and national government gave space to privateering, piracy, ship wrecking and the plunder of ships seeking shelter from storms. The natural world added its woes and a social strata of mariners and townsmen emerged on both sides of the Channel, contemptuous of royal authority, a strata at once cruel and vicious, with little regard to ordinary sailors and folk ashore.
One is faced with legal and government evidence that numerous atrocities were committed by many in the south coast ports, especially by Cinque portsmen. This was certainly evident in times when kings declared war against France and Spain, though between such episodes the long stretches of uncertain conditions encouraged the portsmen to think only of themselves, to oppose regal authority when it suited, to attack supposed enemies, neutral shipping, and fishermen seen as competitors.
This book includes much material on the Cinque ports, which by the thirteenth century had morphed from basic trade and fishing communities into a cartel for looting ships, for attacking other ports, lounging around the Channel as a bandetti with piracy covered by the royal seal, conducting feuds both at home and abroad. Such warfare for self-interest, together with the royal claims to western France, leaves us a mass of useful archives.
This readable book is lavishly illustrated including 25 black and white drawings, photographs and well drawn maps, plus 15 colour photographs. Marcus Rediker's Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea drew our attention to the Caribbean pirates, and Jill Eddison's work will give a new focus to the history of our medieval channel, with its quite different social norms and cultures from the more civilised Europe of the early modern world.
The Charters of the Cinque Ports - Are They Still Needed?, by Graham S. Mcbain, published 4 October 2013 in Review of European Studies (vol. 5(2), article) accessible at: University of Sussex Library
1696 Association Oath Rolls for Sussex and Cinque Ports, compiled by Michael Burchall, published 2014 by Parish Register Transcription Society (Ref: SXOR, CD-ROM) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507893][Lib/507894]
Abstract:A full transcript of all the Sussex (and Cinque Ports) men who signed an Oath of Allegiance to King William III in 1696 following an attempted assassination. Men (over age 20) including clergy are listed in the place they signed, and only 5% signed by mark. Michael Burchall has transcribed all these signatures from the originals at the National Archives and he writes a full historical introduction and gives a potted biography of major office bearers. Sussex is one of the first counties where names have been abstracted. These Oath Rolls of 1696 fill the gap between the Hearth Tax Lists of the 1660s and the Land Tax Lists of 1785 (extracted by the Sussex Record Society).
The Letters of John Collier of Hastings: 1731-1746, edited by Richard Saville, published October 2016 (vol. 96, lxiv + 435 pp., Sussex Record Society, ISBN-13: 9780854450787) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 18952] & The Keep [LIB/509273][Lib/509274] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries View Online
Abstract:"Being all alone this long evening and in a very pensive mood on the losse of our dear child, and the necessity I was under of comeing from you, and as the post will convey this to you tomorrow evening, I could not devote the time better than in writing to you; and itt's a pleasing satisfaction to me, and I hope not dissagreeable to you"
John Collier to his wife after the death of his son, John, 8th February 1733
The Sayer MSS comprise one of the most important collections of business and social correspondence involving a Sussex family in the 18th century. The papers describe the rise to affluence and political and social influence of John Collier (1685-1760), five times Mayor of Hastings. Originally from an Eastbourne inn owning family, he trained as an attorney and, when only 20, became town clerk of Hastings. As well as his work for the Corporation, appointments followed as solicitor for the Cinque Ports, clerk of the port militia and commissioner of the Land Tax for Sussex. In addition he developed a legal practice in London and the port which brought contacts with leading officials and politicians of his day. His legal acumen, negotiating skills and boundless energy gave him a key place in the politics of the Cinque Ports; and under the care of the Duke of Newcastle and Henry Pelham he was later appointed Usher and Cryer of the King's Bench, and received lucrative offices in the Customs of Kent and London in organising the prosecution of smugglers. Collier acted also for the Duke and the Whig interest in elections and in local Corporation policy. Diverse incomes from office and legal practice enabled the family to buy lands in and around the port and considerable holdings in government and company stocks.
The letters in this volume explain how his legal and government work was organised and give the reader a vision into the range of work of this Sussex lawyer during the era of Walpole, Newcastle and Pelham.
The correspondence offers valuable insight into the business partnership between Collier and his brother-in-law, William Cranston, located in London. Cranston, also an attorney, managed their London accounts and settled business when Collier was in Hastings. Their letters show the crucial role of a wider network of associates and landowners. Most of the surviving Collier letters during law terms were destined for Mary Cranston, his second wife, who organised much of his affairs when he was away from Hastings. Their correspondence also offers up much on their social life and illustrates the tragic side, the sufferings of childbirth and the death of children, the effects of disease and ailments, the constant worry over relatives, as well as the wear and tear during the weeks of separation. Schooling looms large in these letters and the details of the five Collier girls who survived into their teens and went to Elizabeth Russell's girls' boarding school in Hampstead are of especial value in illustrating their upbringing and that of their contemporaries. Beyond school the girls' life in East Sussex underlines the upward mobility of the family by the 1730s, with the girls moving between the great houses, organising dances and games, meeting those of similar standing, going on country walks, finding out about servants and managing staff - all this with an insistence on the latest fashions and accessories to be bought by their father or uncle.
As expected from the offices held, political life was rarely far from Collier's concerns. Promoting the Whig interest in East Sussex was a particular concern; and the letters here add to our understanding of how the Whigs advanced their cause in the 1730s and 1740s. Letters also cover weather conditions, travel over the Weald, the connections with London, the social season at Bath and Tunbridge Wells and the effects of legislation upon Hastings townsfolk, notably the troubles caused by the smuggling trade.
Richard Saville is an economic and financial historian who has published on Britain from the mid-seventeenth century onwards. His previous publication for the Society was The Fuller Letters, Guns, Slaves and Finance 1 728-1 755 (edited with David Crossley) SRS vol. 76, 1991.
John Collier to his wife after the death of his son, John, 8th February 1733
The Sayer MSS comprise one of the most important collections of business and social correspondence involving a Sussex family in the 18th century. The papers describe the rise to affluence and political and social influence of John Collier (1685-1760), five times Mayor of Hastings. Originally from an Eastbourne inn owning family, he trained as an attorney and, when only 20, became town clerk of Hastings. As well as his work for the Corporation, appointments followed as solicitor for the Cinque Ports, clerk of the port militia and commissioner of the Land Tax for Sussex. In addition he developed a legal practice in London and the port which brought contacts with leading officials and politicians of his day. His legal acumen, negotiating skills and boundless energy gave him a key place in the politics of the Cinque Ports; and under the care of the Duke of Newcastle and Henry Pelham he was later appointed Usher and Cryer of the King's Bench, and received lucrative offices in the Customs of Kent and London in organising the prosecution of smugglers. Collier acted also for the Duke and the Whig interest in elections and in local Corporation policy. Diverse incomes from office and legal practice enabled the family to buy lands in and around the port and considerable holdings in government and company stocks.
The letters in this volume explain how his legal and government work was organised and give the reader a vision into the range of work of this Sussex lawyer during the era of Walpole, Newcastle and Pelham.
The correspondence offers valuable insight into the business partnership between Collier and his brother-in-law, William Cranston, located in London. Cranston, also an attorney, managed their London accounts and settled business when Collier was in Hastings. Their letters show the crucial role of a wider network of associates and landowners. Most of the surviving Collier letters during law terms were destined for Mary Cranston, his second wife, who organised much of his affairs when he was away from Hastings. Their correspondence also offers up much on their social life and illustrates the tragic side, the sufferings of childbirth and the death of children, the effects of disease and ailments, the constant worry over relatives, as well as the wear and tear during the weeks of separation. Schooling looms large in these letters and the details of the five Collier girls who survived into their teens and went to Elizabeth Russell's girls' boarding school in Hampstead are of especial value in illustrating their upbringing and that of their contemporaries. Beyond school the girls' life in East Sussex underlines the upward mobility of the family by the 1730s, with the girls moving between the great houses, organising dances and games, meeting those of similar standing, going on country walks, finding out about servants and managing staff - all this with an insistence on the latest fashions and accessories to be bought by their father or uncle.
As expected from the offices held, political life was rarely far from Collier's concerns. Promoting the Whig interest in East Sussex was a particular concern; and the letters here add to our understanding of how the Whigs advanced their cause in the 1730s and 1740s. Letters also cover weather conditions, travel over the Weald, the connections with London, the social season at Bath and Tunbridge Wells and the effects of legislation upon Hastings townsfolk, notably the troubles caused by the smuggling trade.
Richard Saville is an economic and financial historian who has published on Britain from the mid-seventeenth century onwards. His previous publication for the Society was The Fuller Letters, Guns, Slaves and Finance 1 728-1 755 (edited with David Crossley) SRS vol. 76, 1991.