In 1155 a Royal Charter declared that five ports: Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich were to constantly have ships maintained for the Crown's need.
In 1278 King Edward I formally gave these five the name 'Cinque Ports' (pronounced sink), the name being French Norman for five ports. In return for the ports services special privileges were granted to the five towns, many took advantage of this with dubious activities including smuggling tax-free goods and piracy.
Later the towns of Rye and Winchelsea were added until 1685 when the privileges were stopped. Some of the ports had silted up by this time and the Royal navy had been established, shifting the responsibility for the country's fleet. Dover is the only town with a working port to this day and the title and traditional are purely ceremonial.
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Liverpool was awarded the European Capital of Culture 2008. The vibrant city is renowned for its arts & culture and is home to numerous museums & galleries including a branch of the Tate Gallery. Read more ...
