Baron of the Cinque Ports
A Baron of the Cinque Ports is now a purely ceremonial title used only during a monarch’s coronation, with no connection to the peerage and no ongoing authority.
Origins and Structure[edit]
The Cinque Ports were a medieval confederation of coastal towns in south‑east England created for trade and military purposes. The original ports were Dover, Hastings, Hythe, New Romney, Sandwich, with historic limbs at Pevensey, Seaford, Tenterden, Lydd, Folkestone, Faversham, Fordwich, Deal. The current limbs are Tenterden, Lydd, Folkestone, Faversham, Margate, Deal, Ramsgate.
Historical Role of Barons[edit]
Barons held significant privileges, including:
- Exemptions from certain taxes
- Rights beyond those of ordinary citizens
- Status once considered feudal barony
- Represented their towns in national matters, especially maritime defence.
Modern Status[edit]
The role now is entirely ceremonial, with the Barons activated only for the day of a coronation. Afterwards, it is treated as an acquired honour, similar to the Freedom of the City. Holders are not peers and must not be styled as “Baron Smith” or “Lord Smith”.
Current Holders of Post[edit]
- Hastings - James Bacon
