Winchelsea and a state secret (maybe)

We went to Rye, just because everyone says it is an ancient town with medieval streets and buildings. And we found it is an ancient town with medieval streets and buildings. We did find a lovely old café with good coffee and Gordon did go up the church tower and was impressed with the workings of the old clock. But we soon left and moved onto Winchelsea.

New Winchelsea was founded by Edward 1 in the 13th century, after Old Winchelsea, which was an important member of the Cinque Ports confederation, was washed away in huge storms. New Winchelsea was built on higher ground and flourished as a busy maritime community. It was heavily defended with walls and towers and gates, one of which still remains. 

Shipbuilding and trading brought in much wealth and that was why the church of St Thomas was built of cathedral proportions. The church now seems large, but it is actually only a section of what was originally built - the nave and the chapels are missing, lost to French and Spanish raids, and the church is now only the original chancel. There are some fabulous stained glass windows added in the 1930s. One section of one window shows Edward 1 examining the plans for the church (extra 1). 

Sadly the town only prospered for about 100 years, as the harbour gradually silted up and became unusable and the town declined. 

Oh and there is the grave of Spike Milligan in the churchyard, with a well-worn path leading up to it.

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We wandered round this very quiet town and I think we came upon a state secret (Gordon is a little doubtful about this!). We found a ruined Barn owned by the National Trust, but with a notice saying not to enter. Then a lady arrived and did enter (see 2nd extra). She said she was from the National Trust and she said she had been sent to look at the state of the wooden doors in the floor that led to huge cellars. She then told us about the many such cellars under the buildings in the town, originally probably for storing wine brought in from the continent. Now . . . maybe there is a twofold secret plan (a) To stockpile French and Spanish wine, so as to avoid the inevitable rise in tariffs after Brexit and (b) to prepare for later smuggling of said wines, when people realise that wine is no longer affordable after Brexit. I'm just saying!!   

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