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 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 wine cellars of the old port town. Winchelsea also clings to its ancient status and lays claim to be the smallest town in England.

Church of St Thomas the Martyr in Winchelsea

Tower Cottage and Strand Gate, Winchelsea

Royal Military Canal and Strand Hill, Winchelsea

Spike Milliga's grave in the churchyard in Winchelsea

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Last Updated: 06/05/08

Friday 20th June to Sunday 29th June 2008

An exciting programme of events celebrating the history and archaeology of Winchelsea. Something for everyone:

The Rise and Fall, and Rise and Fall, of the Cinque Ports --- lecture
Under Winchelsea --- guided tours of Winchelsea's cellars
Hidden Winchelsea --- guided tours of Winchelsea's archaeology
Music for an Ancient Town --- concert of medieval music by Pastorella
Medieval Urbanism & the Planned Town of New Winchelsea --- conference
Living History Weekend --- a medieval army encamped again at Winchelsea

See more information on all events or check out the conference agenda.

To book a seat at the lecture, concert or conference, or places on the guided tours:
- e-mail the Winchelsea Archaeological Society
- phone 01797-225333 (answerphone)
- call in at the Winchelsea Post Office (open weekdays 9:00am to 1:30pm).

News

Annual accounts for Winchelsea Little Shop Association Ltd for 2005-06.

House for sale & rent in Winchelsea

Want to buy or rent a house in Winchelsea? See what's on sale and for rent. Also check out the prices at properties have already been sold.

We also list holiday accommodation in and near Winchelsea.

Forthcoming events

advert for Asparagus Night 17 May 2008

You can also book online.

Winchelsea photogallery

View our photo gallery of recent events in Winchelsea including the 2007 and 2006 Street Games, the 2007 Cricket Mismatch and the re-enactment of Wesley's last open-air sermon in October 2006.