Cinque Ports Conference - June 26-27

Members of Sandwich History Society may be interested in attending the forthcoming Cinque Ports Conference, taking place on 26–27 June at the magnificent Maison Dieu in Dover. The two-day event will explore the history, governance, defence and maritime communities of the Cinque Ports from the medieval period to the modern era, with talks by leading historians, archaeologists and researchers from institutions including the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University.

Of particular interest to Sandwichians will be papers touching on Sandwich’s maritime heritage, medieval governance, Dover’s relationship with the wider Confederation, and the role of the Cinque Ports in national defence. Speakers include Professor David Carpenter, Professor Andrew Lambert, Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh and several other well-known names in Kent maritime and medieval history. Delegates will also have the opportunity to join special tours of the recently restored Maison Dieu and view displays of Cinque Ports artefacts and documents.

The conference is being organised by the Kent Archaeological Society Maritime Kent Group together with the Confederation of Cinque Ports, Dover Museum and local partners, and forms part of the celebrations surrounding the remarkable restoration and “reawakening” of the Maison Dieu, one of Kent’s most important medieval buildings.

Tickets are available for either individual days or both days combined, with lunch and refreshments included. There is also an optional evening reception on the Friday attended by representatives of the Confederation of Cinque Ports.

Further details and booking information can be found here: Cinque Ports Conference Tickets and Programme