24/11/2022
Smallest Town
Written by Blue Badge Guide, Yvonne Leach
Where, but in England, could arguments rage about whether one puts the milk or tea in first into the tea-cup, whether we should put jam or cream first upon our scones ? Let alone, how we pronounce ‘scone’ – to rhyme with BONE on BONN ?
But, here is a huge debate, which has taken place between the neighbouring counties of Kent and East Sussex in South East England. Which is the smallest town in England ? Well, I guess we first have to consider exactly what constitutes a ‘town’ and the answer is that it should have its very own Mayor and Corporation. Traditionally, towns meet this criteria, whereas villages are served by their parish councils, and are part of a wider town or borough council. OK, let’s go back in time, and check out a few facts, and see whether we reach any kind of conclusion.
First, let’s look at Fordwich, in Kent, near to the city of Canterbury. Fordwich is a beautiful and ancient port on the River Great Stour. Although Fordwich has never boasted more than a few hundred inhabitants, its right to style itself a town dates from 1184, when King Henry II granted it a Merchant Gild Charter, reflecting its importance as the de facto port for Canterbury. In the Domesday Book, it was described as a small burgh, one of only seven burghs in Kent. Since the 13th century, Fordwich has been involved with the Cinque Ports (they who protected this Kingdom before the advent of the Royal Navy) through its geographical and institutional links with Sandwich, once a major important port, and Gateway to England. Fordwich Town Council today is, in legal terms, a parish council, where members are elected or appointed. The original Fordwich Corporation, with its liberty and privileges, was abolished in the local government reorganisation of 1886. However, the chairman of the council is still styled ‘The Mayor’, and on ceremonial occasions wears a chain of office and other Mayoral Regalia. By custom The Mayor of Fordwich also serves as Mayor Deputy to the Mayor of Sandwich, keeping in place its historic Cinque Ports links. So, with Grandfather rights, and with fewer than 400 residents, Fordwich can certainly lay claim to being the smallest town in England.
Now, let’s look at Winchelsea, in Sussex, near to Rye. Well, certainly, like Fordwich, Winchelsea is a member of the Cinque Ports, it comes fully equipped with its own Mayor and Corporation. Together with Rye, Winchelsea was designated an ‘Antient Town’ supporting the five original ‘Head Ports’ maintaining the defence of the realm of England. The population numbers fewer than 600 residents, so we can quite see why the townsfolk claim that they are the smallest town in England. The Cinque Port, and smallest town reputation is defended proudly by its residents, who after the local government restructuring in the 19th Century (that which affected Fordwich) fought tooth and nail to ensure a separate act of Parliament was pushed through to maintain its status. Despite the mayor and corporation losing their powers under the same act, the positions still remain in a ceremonial capacity.
So it sort of looks as if, at least initially, Fordwich lost its town status, but it has, because of its role in our history been given back, whereas, Winchelsea fought hard to see, effectively, that it was never lost, if only in a ceremonial capacity.
Hats off to Winchelsea for never surrendering! And hats off to Fordwich for surviving with the least number of residents, a fantastic town hall and a very real claim to fame. What do we think? – Personally, I am proud that the two smallest towns in England are in the South East of England and that is why it is such a joy to be a SE England Blue Badge Tourist Guide and share these treasures with our visitors! Check the link to our Training page in comments ⬇️
