Winchelsea: Port of Stranded Pride

Winchelsea is a beautiful Sussex village built on the bones of a medieval town. It is a hidden delight for visitors to discover, but also home to an active modern community.

Medieval Town

Seven centuries ago, the new town of Winchelsea was founded by Edward I to take the place of an older town of the same name, which had been lost to the sea in a series of great storms and now lies beneath the waters of Rye Bay. The new town of Winchelsea assumed Old Winchelsea's status of Ancient Town and Head Port of the Cinque Port Confederation, the alliance of Kent and Sussex ports that were England's bulwark against invasion in the days before there was a Royal Navy. For over a hundred years, New Winchelsea was one of the major ports of the kingdom.

Modern village

Today, Winchelsea sits quietly on its hill, gazing across marshland at the now-distant sea: one of Kipling's ports of stranded pride. But all around this beautiful village are the evocative remnants of past glory: the Church of St Thomas the Martyr; three medieval gates standing guard against long-departed foes; and, beneath the broad streets, the hidden wine cellars of the old port town





Winchelsea Town Sign by John Haddock Church of St Thomas the Martyr in Winchelsea Tower Cottage and Strand Gate, Winchelsea Royal Military Canal and Strand Hill, Winchelsea Spike Milligan's grave in the churchyard in Winchelsea

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Last Updated: 06/02/10

Winchelsea Archaeology Conference

21-23 May 2010. On medieval "new towns", including Winchelsea. Book a place or find out more about the conference and the opportunity to listen to leading experts discuss the latest research on medieval urbanism in one of the best surviving examples of a medieval "new town".

News from Winchelsea

For the latest local news, visit the Newsboard. Latest news items: Winchelsea traffic consultation and the controversy raging in the letters page of the Rye Observer over the result of the 2009 Winchelsea Streete Game.

Cellar and history tours

The Winchelsea Archaeological Society conducts guided tours of the medieval cellars under Winchelsea and historical walks around the village. Come along to one of the scheduled public tours or arrange a special tour for your group. To book, contact the WAS by e-mail or via the Winchelsea Community Answerphone on 01797-225333.


 A medieval wine cellar in Winchelsea

Winchelsea photogallery

View our photo gallery of some recent events in Winchelsea, including: the 2009 Winchelsea Streete Game, the 2009 Bonfire Night; the 2009 Cricket Mismatches; and the re-enactment of Wesley's last open-air sermon in October 2006.