Local History

The original force behind England's maritime power, the unique Confederation of South East England's channel ports probably dates back to the 11th century, although there are those who say the Confederation didn't come into existence until 200 years later.

The ports are Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich as well as the 'antient towns' of Rye and Winchelsea. Supporting the ports - known as limbs - were Tenterden, Lydd, Deal, Faversham, Folkestone, Ramsgate and Margate.

Deal Castle

The ports are all situated on the length of coastline most often attacked, and they controlled the important sea routs across the English Channel. Edward the Confessor (1042-1066) set about replacing the Saxon maritime fleet with one drawn from the five ports, helped by neighbouring coastal towns and villages.

Dover had always been one of the major defenders of the south east coastline, but unfortunately was unable to defend England against William the Conqueror who decided to land his attacking force at Pevensey Bay, near Hastings instead of taking the shorted route from France to England.

Dover castle has remained a vital part of the country's defences right up to the 20th century.

Today, this area of coastline offers visitors and tourists tourist experience a wealth of relics and ruins of the past in various museums, castles and smugglers' haunts.