More information : Winchelsea general references(1-10)
(TQ 9017) The original town of Winchelsea was probably situated some 3 miles SE of Rye, but was destroyed by coastal erosion and inundation which probably commenced by the mid 1200s. The present town was planned and laid out between 1283 and 1292 (12).
It followed the ancient Roman (and modern American) plan of rectangular blocks similar to the 'bastides' of S France (11) of the same period. The scheme, however, was too ambitious, many blocks were never occupied, the port silted up, the town dwindled and was badly damaged by French raids during the Hundred Years War; but there are still about 40 medieval (c1300) stone vaulted cellars in the town built mainly for the anticipated wine trade (13) (See plan) (11). (See Map Diagram for principle Md buildings)
As described. See Map Diagram.
Apart from three gates, Pipewell, Strand and New Gates, there is no trace of the town wall. (14)
Winchelsea is mentioned in 1283 when a charter of Edward I granted the liberties of Old Winchelsea to those of its barons who settled in the new town. These liberties were previously granted to the 'men' of Old Winchelsea in 1191. (15)
The town was surveyed by staff of RCHME during August and October 1992, for further information see archive report (16).
The new town and port proved to be as unsuccessful as its predecessor, (TQ91NW24). Population shrinkage is demonstrable in the aftermath of the French raids throughout the 14th century, from which the town never recovered, and decline accelerated with the redundancy of the harbour. In 1448 it was reported that there were no merchants left, and by 1575 only 60 houses. At the close of the 17th century the houses were described as being a `pitiful spectacle of poverty and desertion'. (17,18).
The new town was founded on the Hill of Yhamme (Iham), and appears to have covered the hill west of St Leonard's Church. It is not improbable that the church is one of 5 mentioned in Domesday as being in Rameslie, standing where Winchester windmill now stands. There were 18 houses in Iham standing on that part of the hill owned by the Abbey of Fecamp, of these only two on ground taken for the new town. The hill was therefore fairly populous before the new town was created. The Patent Roll of 1283 refers to the site as the `new town of Yhamme'. Iham was probably swallowed up as the new town grew, the name Yhamme being disused after 1292. It is suggested that the old town is below the churchyard of St Thomas' Church. (19) |