Sandwich Kent England UK: Introduction to the History of the Town
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The Ancient Cinque Port of Sandwich
The first recorded mention of Sandwich was in 664 AD but it is older than that - there was probably some kind of settlement in Roman Times. The Town and Footpaths The footpaths called The Butts, Ropewalk, Mill Wall and the Bulwarks roughly follow the line of the old town wall (see the Town Tour page), although this is no longer in existence. The Town Gates
The Barbican guards the bridge and Fisher Gate opens on to the quay. The other gates, now no longer standing were: Sandwich Gate, Canterbury Gate and Woodnesborough Gate. The gates were part of the town wall. See the Town Tour page for more pictures and information about the sites of historic interest in Sandwich. The Haven & The Delf The Delf stream, still runs through the town, and used to be the source of the town's water supply. The Cinque Ports
There was always an overall Warden of the Cinque Ports,and this tradition is still carried on today. Former Wardens include, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The present Lord Warden is yet to be appointed. |
East Kent Coastline Today Click below for: Virtual Town Tour: |
The ancient Cinque Port of Sandwich, is very close to the seaside towns of the Isle of Thanet, so called because, in 
There are two "gates" to the town still standing, The Barbican and Fishergate.
Sandwich is now about two miles from the sea, but the River Stour used to be large enough for big trading and war ships to sail to and from the quay. This large habour was called Sandwich Haven. It was also large enough for invading ships, hence the town wall. 
Originally, the Cinque Ports were a confederation of five harbours, Sandwich, Romney, Dover, Hythe, and Hastings. These were grouped together, for defense purposes, by Edward the Confessor. They supplied the Crown with ships and men. 
