Sandwich History: Introduction

Sandwich is now about two miles from the sea, but the River Stour used to be large enough for big trading and war ships to sail to and from the quay. This large harbour was called Sandwich Haven.

It was also large enough for invading ships, and the town was invaded many times in the past. For example, in 1457, the town was attacked by 4,000 Frenchmen (mainly from Honfleur) under Marshal Pierre de Breze or as English accounts call him, Peter Brassey. The Mayor of Sandwich, John Drury, was killed along with many citizens. In memory of this event, the Mayor of Sandwich still wears a black robe.

All is forgiven today however, and the town of Honfleur is now a twin town of Sandwich.

Sandwich was and still is a principle Cinque port. Originally, the Cinque Ports were a confederation of five harbours, Sandwich, Romney, Dover, Hythe, and Hastings. They supplied the Crown with ships and men for over 300 years. In return they received freedom from tolls and customs duties, freedom to trade and to hold their own judicial courts plus many other privileges.

Today, these towns are still known as the Cinque Ports, but the coastline has changed considerably over the centuries and only Dover retains its major port status.
Sandwich still retains the tradition of collecting 'Ship Money' from its associate towns, the ceremony is held in the ancient Courtroom in the Guildhall every year.

Item of Interest from the British Film Institute -

A 9 minute Film made in 1934 "Curiosities of Sandwich" - a delicious portrait of Sandwich, photographed by Fred Ford.

A list of representatives in the English Parliament can be found on www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1386-1421/constituencies/sandwich from 1386 to 1868 along with members backgrounds.

More historic records of Sandwich can be found at www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-kent/vol10/pp152-216 the records Originally published by W Bristow, Canterbury, 1800.