Roses in Winchelsea

Image: © Marathon Taken: 18 Jun 2017

Winchelsea became a member of the Cinque Ports by 1191 along with Rye. Winchelsea at that time lay on the east side of the estuary of the River Rother. A storm damaged the town in 1252, in 1266 the war between the barons and Edward I did further damage, and in 1288 an even greater storm all but wiped out Winchelsea. In 1280, the King had acquired the Manor of Iham to build a new town here which was to be a planned town. Its purpose was to help the wine trade with Gascony with an up-to-date settlement at this end. The plan was to be a grid but the south half which was to have had a town hall and market place was never built. There were three churches and three hospitals but the town was not a success. By the mid 14th century parts had become vacant, there were several French raids between 1337 and 1380, and in the second half of the 14th century the harbour silted up. The present-day Winchelsea consists of only twelve blocks out of the original thirty nine. The plots were quite large and each house had plenty of space. As a result and in the words of Pevsner in 'The Buildings of England: Sussex' "As the population never grew, the spaces never closed up, and so today Winchelsea with its green grass verges flanking the streets is more like a formally planned garden suburb than like a town." The medieval parts of the houses are mostly confined to the cellars and in appearance Winchelsea is partly Georgian and partly attractive early 20th century. There is no denying how attractive and peaceful it is, especially compared to the crowds in Rye. In summer flowers are everywhere, especially roses, lavender and fuchsias. This house is on the corner of Mill Road and Castle Street. For more about the history of Winchelsea see https://www.visit1066country.com/destinations/winchelsea/history-of-winchelsea

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