it has gradually fallen from the high rank it formerly held among the Cinque-ports. The present situation of it, compared with its former prosperity, presents a sad contrast. From an opulent commercial town, it has now sunk to a mere village, having nothing left of former grandeur, save the ruins of its numerous religious and other edifices, and its privileges, which are the same as the Cinque-ports. That part without the town, called, in the old charters, Petit Higham, and belonging to the liberty of Hastings, formerly contained a parish church and numerous buildings, but has so fallen from its former prosperity, as to contain within its boundary but one solitary vote for the members of parliament for Hastings.
The Reform Bill swept away its honour of sending two barons to parliament. Among the last of its representatives is found the name of Brougham. The ancient towns of Rye and Winchelsea united return but one member to parliament. The corporation of Winchelsea consisted of a mayor and twelve jurats. It contributed ten vessels, fully armed and equipped, being the quota required to complete the number of fifty-seven furnished by the Cinque-ports. From the circumstance of no limb or member being attached to Winchelsea, we are led to infer that it was a place of great consequence, not requiring any assistance to defray the expense of furnishing its fleet.
The trade carried on was principally in French wines ; this being the grand mart for them before the trade of Portugal was established. The vaults of the town are still very numerous, few of the houses being without one. It had, some years ago, a considerable trade in cambric, which was established by a company of merchants ; but this, also, is gone to decay.
The remains of three parish churches, Lambard -
