Cinque Ports, and governor of Dover Castle, with which he encountered and totally discomfited a French fleet of double the number .
In the reign of Edward I. they gave so signal a defeat to the French , though greatly superior in force, as for a long season to cripple their power at sea, by leaving them destitute both of shipping and seamen .
In the reign of Edward III., when Scotland was menaced by the French , they defended the seas, and prevented the landing of succours to the Scotch malcontents : and, in Henry IV., A. D. 1406 , they surprised and took 120 French ships, laden with salt, iron , and oil.
The ships of the Cinque Ports were summoned and employed on two important and confidential services, during the disturbed reign of Henry VI. in bringing his Consort; Queen Margaret, and the Prince from France.
In the fifteenth of the reign of Edward IV . they rendezvoused, by summons, in the Downs.
Their navy transported the army of Henry VII. from Sandwich into France ; and, it appears, that in this reign, their services were not confined to the sea , nor limitted to achievements on that element alone, since mention is made of the Train-bands of Sandwich having assembled and beaten back an invading French army which had landed in the Downs.
In the 34th of Henry VIII. their navy was prepared , at the King's command, to be ready to transport his horses and army into France, which service they performed ; and were also in readiness for service the following year.
In the year 1588, of Elizabeth, a year rendered illustrious in the annals of the country, by the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the Ports sent out five serviceable ships and a pinnace, for two months service, which they extended to four, at their own expence ; and, subsequently, in the same reign , in 1595, they fitted and sent out, at their own cost, five ships each of 160 tons, for five months.
In the 2d year of Charles I., A.D. 1626 , they sent out two serviceable ships, for three months, at an expence of 1825l.
