at any other. They formerly enjoyed superior dignity, and ranked equal with the nobility of the kingdom . Before the separation of the great council of the nation, they were called over in the following order : viz. , on the first day, the lowest class, as burgesses and citizens ; on the second, the knights ; and on the third, the barons of the Cinque-ports and the peers.[1]
The canopy borne by the barons at the coronation of George the Fourth was yellow, of silk and gold embroidery, with curtains of muslin and tissue, upheld by steel rods, surmounted by silver balls. The dresses of the barons consisted of large cloaks of garter blue satin, with slashed arms of scarlet, and stockings of dead red, presenting a singularly unique appearance.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
There were formerly four churches, besides others in the immediate neighbourhood. Some have passed away from the face of the earth, others have nought but the hillock to denote their former site, and the song of praise and thanksgiving echoes no more along their vaulted aisles .
ALL SAINTS
Forms one of the most picturesque objects at the -
- ↑ When Queen Eleanor, wife to King Henry the Third, in the twentieth year of his reign, was crowned, the barons of the ports did bear the canopy then, of purple silke, by four staves silvered over, with four little bells, silver and gilt ; and did claim and obtain the same as their ancient right and privilege, and to have the said canopy parted among them, although the Marquisses of the Marches of Wales opposed the barons of the ports, and challenged the same as belonging to them. And it is further evident, by the said exemplification, that the said barons then claimed the privilege of sitting at the king's tables that day at the right hand of the king, and did so sit."-Jeaks on the Cinque Ports.
