In 1887, John Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles described Winchelsea like this:
Winchelsea, ancient town and par. with ry. sta., Sussex, 3 miles SW. of Rye and 8 miles NE. of Hastings - par., 965 ac., pop. 613; ancient town, 4508 ac., pop. 1076; P.O., T.O. In Saxon times Winchelsea was one of the principal southern ports, and retained its importance until the 13th century, when it suffered from three inundations, by the last of which it was completely destroyed. ...
The new town of Winchelsea was founded by Edward I. on Iham Hill, about 3 miles NW. of the old town. It suffered at various periods between 1359 and 1449 from attacks by the French; and the gradual withdrawal of the sea ultimately destroyed its harbour. It sent 2 members to Parliament from the time of Edward III. until 1832, when it was included in the parl. limits of Rye. Winchelsea gives the title of earl to the family of Finch-Hatton.
Winchelsea through time
Winchelsea is now part of Rother district. Click here for graphs and data of how Rother has changed over two centuries. For statistics about Winchelsea itself, go to Units and Statistics.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Winchelsea, in Rother and Sussex | Map and description, A Vision of Britain through Time.
URL: https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/9002
Date accessed: 19th April 2024
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