HYTHE
Hythe became a Borough in 1026, when King Canute signed the documents conveying the lands of Hith to the Church of Canterbury. The Charter of 1278 is still kept in the town. As a head port, Hythe was required to send five ships, each with a crew of 22, to defend the coast, at the King’s command. Hythe had a thriving harbour then and great prosperity, but later fell on hard times and could not meet its obligations when the Spanish Armada threatened.
High Street, Hythe |
This coastline has always been in the front-line against foreign invasion; by Romans, Danes, Saxons and the armies of Napoleon and Hitler. Visible signs, today, are the Martello Towers and the Royal Military Canal (designated ancient monuments) built to meet the French threat, in the early 19th Century. |
The Church of St. Leonard dominates the town. It is quintessentially Norman, with Saxon origins. It has an unusual Crypt (used as a bone-house) and a fine East Window, commemorating the town’s role in the defence of Great Britain.
See also: www.hythe-kent.com and www.fortifications.org
ŠThe Confederation of the Cinque Ports (2005)
