Winchelsea: 1288-2012
Winchelsea, founded in 1288 by Edward I, is located in East Sussex ("1066 Country") about a mile inland from the current coastline. It lies approximately two miles from Rye and seven miles from Hastings. The ward of Winchlesea now is part of the Icklesham Parish Council area and lies within the local authority area of Rother District Council
The town was laid out in a grid pattern of streets, as is clearly still visible to the present day (see maps for more details). A large number of cellars were constructed at the time, and guided tours of these famous Medieval Cellars are run by a team of volunteers - please click here for more details and booking
Almost the entire town is a designated Conservation Area and most of the surrounding land is owned and managed by the National Trust. Many buildings in the town are Grade I or Grade II listed. The present town replaced an earlier town of the same name, sometimes known as Old Winchelsea, destroyed by storms in the late 13th century.Winchelsea is often described as the smallest town in Britain to have its own Mayor. Although the Mayor and Corporation lost their civil and judicial powers in 1886, the formal structures were preserved by an Act of Parliament in order to maintain the town's membership of the Confederation of Cinque Ports. They retain both a ceremonial role and responsibility for a number of the ancient monuments of the town, including the historic Court Hall, the medieval town gates (Strand Gate, New Gate and Pipewell Gate), the Town Well and a number of other important sites. For more details see our Mayor and Corporation and History sections, and the newly added Historical Anecdotes.
In recent times Winchelsea has become a vibrant community, with a number of small shops, businesses and a varied and active population of full-time and part-time residents. In addition to the retail enterprises, there is a very active church community (St Thomas' Church), an extremely popular Primary School (St Thomas' C of E Primary School), farming and farm produce enterprises, environmental conservation projects, and a huge number of clubs and societies.
Church organist needed! The Parish of Winchelsea in East Sussex is seeking to recruit an Organist. St Thomas's is a grade 1 listed church of great character, with a busy and welcoming congregation, which enjoys music. Duties include running small senior and junior choirs, Sunday services, major festivals, weddings and funerals, as well as involvement with concerts and other events. You would play a two manual J W Walker and Sons pipe organ. For more information please contact the Churchwardens on 01797 223458 or e-mail johnrodley@btinternet.com, and visit our website at www.winchelseachurch.co.uk .
NEWS: The Royal Geographical Socity has just published a new Walking guide for Rye and Winchelsea which you can download from: here
Please explore this website, which has been produced by volunteers in our community with the assistance of the members of the Corporation of Winchlesea, a unique organisation in England that remains closely involved in the welfare of the town and its residents.
