Sandwich Heritage Harbour

The Port and Haven of Sandwich on the river Stour in Kent has been named a Heritage Harbour, one of a small number of historic harbours in the United Kingdom, so far, to have been awarded this prestigious national status.

Vision

The title was awarded by the Maritime Heritage Trust and National Historic Ships UK following an initiative headed by the Sandwich Port & Haven Commission. This status is recognition of the importance of Sandwich’s maritime heritage going back to medieval times and the long-term benefits that will arise from a proper use of the town’s maritime facilities to provide a home for historic vessels.

Sandwich Heritage Harbour Group has been formed and plans to work with all those involved with the river to develop a ‘road map’ for a maritime revival of the Haven and its surrounding areas.

Sandwich’s maritime history goes back to Roman times reaching its zenith between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries when it became the gateway to England and from where Royal invasion fleets departed for the Continent. Sandwich was the leader of the Cinque Ports, formed in 1155, and it became a trading and ship building centre of major importance. This maritime history and its remaining physical assets define much of the town’s identity and its rediscovery is critical for the enhancement of the character of the town, its Quay and river in the years to come.