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In late Anglo-Saxon times the threat of Viking invasion was a constant problem. England ultimately was ruled by the Danish king Cnut (Canute) but after his death the Anglo-Saxon, Edward the Confessor took steps to prevent any further such occupations. "The key to the security of the realm as Edward saw it was to control the English Channel. To this end he granted the ports of Sandwich, Dover, and New Romney, all in Kent, the right to keep all legal fees assigned in court cases".
The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports was originally in charge of the Cinque Ports. Today the role is largely a sinecure but does confer the right to fly a unique standard (see below). The Lord Warden was solely responsible for the return of all writs to the Crown, along with the collection of taxes and the arrest of criminals. His court was held in St James' church, near Dover Castle, and there he exercised jurisdiction broadly equivalent to that of chancery. He also had a "lieutenant's powers of muster", and the constableship of Dover Castle, later merged with the warden's office, enabled him to keep a garrison and administrative staff, including the clerk and the lieutenant of the castle.
The Coat of Arms of the Cinque Ports first appeared in 1305, second amongst the earliest English known heraldic emblems, predating even the coat of arms of the city of London.
The Coat of Arms of the Cinque Ports displays a controversial image in heraldry, employing three ships hulls and three Lions passant guardant con-joined to these hulls, all in gold. These may originally have been Gules three lions passant gardant in pale Or (for England) dimidiating Gules three ships' hulks in pale Or.
The Coat of Arms of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports are set out on a red and blue background and traditionally represents the 14 'Corporate' Members.
This ancient alliance is best illustrated in the detail of the 'Speakers Badge' with its 14 diamond stars framing the Coat of Arms of the Cinque Ports in this instance set in enamel on a base of white and yellow gold.
The creation and appointment of the Lord Warden, once the most powerful appointment of the realm, by the monarch, was instituted principally after the portsmen sided with Simon de Montfort ( Earl of Leicester) against Henry III, in the Second Barons' War, and was intended to provide some central authority over the Cinque Ports, which were essentially otherwise independent of the king's sheriffs. The ancient 'Barony', now an honorary title, was also combined with the office of the Constable of Dover Castle. However from 1708 Walmer Castle at Deal was to be preferred as the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. The Lord Warden is also referred to as 'Admiral of the Cinque Ports' with a maritime jurisdiction extending to mid Channel, from Redcliffe near Seaford, in Sussex to 'Shoe Beacon' in Essex.
The courts of 'Brodhull' and 'Guestling' were established to protect the privileges of the Cinque Ports by the portsmen themselves. From the 15th Century these courts had been largely replaced by the Lord Warden's Court at Dover. From the 16th Century the principal business of the courts was the installation the Lord Warden and the court is now only occasionally summoned. The office continued to be a powerful one. In 155O the mayor and jurats of Dover refused to accept a royal writ because it was not accompanied by a letter of attendance from the lord warden. The member ports parliamentary representatives, were appointed by the Lord Warden at first; this influence continued until the 19th century.
At the installation of a new Lord Warden, the 'Speaker' of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports to this day still instructs the Lord Warden: "to undertake the duties of the Ancient and Honorable Office and to uphold the Franchises, Liberties, Customs and Usage's of the port."
The office of 'Speaker' has traditionally rotated between the affiliate townships every year dating from at least 1550. Inaugurations are begun on May 21, and membership is ordained through a long standing maritime tradition of a principle of 'the prevailing winds' coming from from west to east.
The title is one of the higher honours bestowed by the British monarch. It is generally reserved for members of the British royal familyThe British Royal Family is a group of people closely related to the British monarch. Although there is no strict legal definition of who is or is not a member of the royal family, and different lists will include different people, those carrying the titl or prime ministersIn the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister is the head of government, exercising many of the executive functions nominally vested in the Sovereign, who is head of state. According to custom, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (which he or she heads) are re, especially those who have been influential in defending Britain at times of war.
All Freeman of the Ports originally held the title "Baron of the Cinque Ports". The traditional title, which bears no relationship with those lords in command of castles, otherwise refered to as Barons is now reserved for Freeman elected by the Mayor, Jurats, and Common Council of the Ports to attend a Coronation, also now only in an honorary capacity.
The position of Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports is the most ancient military honour available in England. 'Of the 158 holders of the office, only three have to date been commoners'.