The Sea and the Marsh
The Medieval Cinque Port of New Romney
revealed through archaeological excavations and historical research
By Gillian Draper and Frank Meddens, with Philip Armitage,
Geoff Egan, Damian Goodburn, Chris Jarrett and Ian Riddler
Today New Romney sits a couple of miles inland from the sea but,
in common with many towns along this stretch of coast, was once
a thriving seaport. Archaeological excavations here by Pre-Construct
Archaeology recovered a remarkable assemblage of metal finds and
identified evidence for medieval occupation, fishing and seafaring
on the long beachfront at the northeastern end of the town.
Crucial to its medieval success, the sea also contributed to the
town’s ultimate decline- a series of calamitous storms ravaged
this part of the coast particularly through the 13th century. The
strand area was seriously ravaged by these storms, as dramatically
demonstrated in the archaeological record, the harbour began to
silt up, the settlement became land-locked and the community turned
to the marsh, and the grazing of sheep, for its income.
This publication investigates the relationship between town and
sea by presenting the results of archaeological excavations alongside
a much broader historical background to the town. New Romney’s
role as a Cinque Port, its early development, street layout, government,
welfare provisions and its connections with licensed piracy are
all explored through contemporary sources and standing building
evidence.
PCA monograph 10 ‘The Sea and the Marsh’ price £16.95
is available from PCA (download order form) or from Oxbow Books
www.oxbowbooks.com
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