Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports

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Employment.png Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports 

Start1267
The title is one of the higher honours bestowed by the Sovereign; it has often been held by members of the Royal Family or prime ministers, especially those who have been influential at times of war.

The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is a ceremonial official in the United Kingdomone. The post dates from at least the 12th century, when the title was Keeper of the Coast, but may be older. The Lord Warden was originally in charge of the Cinque Ports, a group of five (cinque in Norman French) port towns on the southeast coast of England that was formed to collectively supply ships for The Crown in the absence at the time of a formal navy. Today the role is a sinecure and an honorary title, and fourteen towns belong to the Cinque Ports confederation.

The title is one of the higher honours bestowed by the Sovereign. The importance of the position can also be seen in the fact that the office was mainly given to members of the royal family and high nobles, and later also to prime ministers, especially those who have been influential in defending Britain at times of war.

Only three of a total of 158 office holders have so far been commoners. The transfer is for life.

Office Holders

19th century

20th century

21st century



 

An Office Holder on Wikispooks

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Michael Boyce12 April 2005
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