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Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports facts for kids

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The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is a special official in the United Kingdom. This important job started a long time ago, at least in the 1100s. Back then, the person holding the title was called the "Keeper of the Coast." The Lord Warden was originally in charge of the Cinque Ports. This was a group of five (cinque means five in an old French language called Norman French) port towns on England's southeast coast. These towns worked together to provide ships for the King or Queen when there wasn't a proper navy.

Today, the Lord Warden role is mostly for show and is a great honor. It doesn't involve daily work. Now, fourteen towns are part of the Cinque Ports group. Being the Lord Warden is one of the highest honors given by the British King or Queen. Members of the Royal Family or prime ministers have often held this title, especially those who helped defend Britain during wars.

In the past, the Lord Warden had many important duties. They were responsible for sending official orders back to the King or Queen. They also collected taxes and arrested criminals. The Lord Warden had a special court near Dover Castle, where they handled many legal matters. They could also gather people for military service. In 1267, the job of Constable of Dover Castle was added to the Warden's role. This meant the Lord Warden could keep soldiers and staff at the castle.

The coat of arms for the Cinque Ports first appeared in 1305. It was one of the earliest English symbols like this, even older than London's coat of arms. The Cinque Ports coat of arms shows three ships' hulls (the main body of a ship) and three lions. These lions are shown walking and looking forward, and they are joined to the ships' hulls. Everything on the coat of arms is gold. This symbol is set on a red and blue background. It represents the fourteen towns that are part of the Cinque Ports group.

How the Lord Warden is Chosen

The King or Queen chooses the Lord Warden. This job was once one of the most powerful in the country. It was created after the port towns sided with a powerful earl against King Henry III during a war. The King wanted to have more control over the Cinque Ports, which were quite independent. From 1267, the Lord Warden's job was combined with being the Constable of Dover Castle.

However, from 1708, Walmer Castle became the main home for the Lord Warden. The Lord Warden also holds the title of Admiral of the Cinque Ports. This means they have authority over a large area of the sea. This area stretches across the English Channel, from Sussex in the south to Essex in the north.

In earlier times, the Cinque Ports had their own special courts called Brodhull and Guestling. These courts helped protect the ports' rights. But from the 1400s, the Lord Warden's Court at Dover took over most of their business. Today, these old courts are only called together sometimes, mainly to officially welcome a new Lord Warden.

The Lord Warden's role remained very powerful. In 1550, the leaders of Dover refused a royal order because it didn't come with a letter from the Lord Warden. For a long time, the Lord Warden even chose who would represent the port towns in Parliament. This continued until the 1800s, even after a law in 1689 tried to stop it.

When a new Lord Warden is officially welcomed, a special person called the Speaker of the Cinque Ports tells them to "undertake the duties of the Ancient and Honourable Office." They also tell the Lord Warden to "uphold the Franchises, Liberties, Customs and Usages of the port." This means they must protect the old rights and traditions of the ports.

The Speaker's job usually changes every year among the different towns. This tradition goes back to at least 1550. The new Speaker is chosen on May 21st.

The Lord Warden has a unique uniform. It looks a lot like an old-fashioned Admiral's uniform, with a special hat. It's trimmed in red and has the Cinque Ports symbols. Sir Robert Menzies, who was Lord Warden from 1966 to 1978, had his uniform saved at the National Library of Australia.

Barons of the Cinque Ports

In the old days, all free citizens of the port towns were called "portsmen." They were considered "barons." This meant they could attend the King's Parliament. They were called "Barons of the Cinque Ports." This showed that serving the King at sea was like owning land as a baron.

An old book from the 1300s said that the Barons of the Cinque Ports had a special place in Parliament. They were below the great lords but above the representatives from counties and towns. Official invitations to Parliament were sent to the Lord Warden. Then, the Warden would choose which barons from the Cinque Ports would go to Parliament. This was similar to how a sheriff would send invitations to barons in the counties.

Today, the title "Baron of the Cinque Ports" is only given to Freemen chosen by the towns' leaders. They are chosen to attend a King or Queen's Coronation. It is now purely an honorary title, meaning it's a title of respect with no special duties.

List of Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports

The first official list of Cinque Ports members was made in 1293. The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is usually appointed for life. However, this wasn't always the case in the very early days. The job of Lord Warden has been recorded since the year 1226, starting with William de Averanch. The person who held the job for the longest time was William Brook, Lord Cobham, who served for 40 years.

Constable of Dover Castle (before 1267)

Lord Warden and Constable of Dover Castle (since 1267)

Images for kids

  • Lord Warden Cinque Ports (Lord Boyce)

    Flag of the previous Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral of the Fleet Lord Boyce

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