New-York tribune., 1901-03-03
WARDEN OF THE CIyQUE PORTS.

HONOR DESTINED FOR LORD ROBERTS.
new source of bewilderment to many read
ers OF European news is likely 70 be found in the
recently published announcement that Lord
Roberts is TO be created Lord Warden of the
Cinque Ports. In regard 20 this venerable and
distinguished English Office. very large num-
ber of Engishmen have only so much advantage
over the average American in point of inforrna-
tiOn that the Englishman generally connects
the Office with Walmer Castle and the Duke OF
Wellington and may be trusted 70 pronounce
"Cinque" IL spelled Sink in accordance
with historical tradition The fact that the Iron
Duke was Lord Warden OF the Cinque Ports
and. in fact. died in the famous medieval castle
OF Walmer, which is the official residence OF
the Lord Warden. will naturally enhance the
glory Of the appointment TO British soldier
"Tobs" was an ensign Of one years standing in
the Bombay Artillery when the Duke OF Vel
EnSton died at Walmer in the poor little iron
bed which is preserved as a sacred relic at
Strathheldsaye. The honIr is still further
heightened by the circumstance that Lord Sails
bury himself. who has been Lord Warden OF the
Cinque Ports since 1895. must resign to make
for King Edwards appointee
The survival Of "the five Cinque Ports and
the two Ancient Towns is one Of the quaintest
among many quaint facts in English Official
DOM The recognized term as here quoted, with
its taUtology in five Cinque" is odd enough as
showing how thoroughly mosssrown the tradi-
tton has become in the course OF nine centuries.
Although "cinque" is the cd Norman form OF
the modern French "cinq" the confederation
Of Hastings. in Sussex. and Sandwich. Dover.
Ron.ney and Hythe. in Kent. for their mutual
good and the protection OF the realm dates
from before the Norman conquest That the
first. at least of these five was an important
m tbp 2
proved when William the ConqGeror won it from
Harold. The COnqUeror himself added Win
chelsea and Rye. in Sussex Ohe two Ancient
TownSD. to tie original five The CirQIe Ports
the name often written "Sinke" and 'Synke'
received numerous and Important priv iIe,es
notably exemption from all taxes and tolls in
return for the military service of supplying fifty
seven ships for coast defence at the royal sum
mons. each ship. with crew of twenty-one men
and one boy, TO be kept in commission for ff-
teen days without payment from the Crown.
Most OF these privileges. like the services for
which they were granted. now obsolete. hut
the honor of having the canopy borne over the
King at his coronation by their barons is. lii liz
enough To be claimed by the Cinque Ports with
in the present year. and allowed. These "Ra-1-s
of the Cinque Ports" by the way are not pa,.~e.
the term Baron" is applied to their represent,
tives in Parliament. where the members far
other horoughs are technically called Bur
gesses."
In the days when the functions OF the Cinque
Ports were of real Importance their Lord War
den. or Guardian. coast guard officer v,i.b
serious duties. and the right among other rights
or Issuing writs in his own name This turis
dietion lasted until 1S55-three years after the
Duke of WellingtOn's death. At present the
once carries with 1t. besides the honor and
glory OF IT'S associations. only salary Of $4,000
and the right Of occupancy Of Walmer Castle.