The Confederation is a unique association of maritime towns and villages in Kent and East Sussex, dating back 1000 years.
In the centuries before the Tudor Kings of England first developed a standing navy, the men and ships of the Cinque Ports provided a fleet to meet the military and transportation needs of their Royal masters. With good reason, these small ports have been dubbed the Cradle of the Royal Navy.



The Ports first came together in order to render Ship Service to the English Crown in return for valuable privileges, during late Saxon or early Norman times; reaching the peak of their power and prestige some 200 to 300 years later. Their naval service was last called upon in 1588.

Few of their ancient rights and privileges survive, but the Confederation continues to promote public awareness of the proud history and seafaring traditions of communities which played a key role in the early development of Great Britain as a naval and economic superpower.

The old Norman French word for five, cinque is pronounced “sink” rather than “sank” in this corner of England!

Lord Warden & Officials


Discover the people who made the history, and those of today