Winchelsea in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Winchelsea, ancient town and par. with ry. sta., Sussex, 3 miles SW. of Rye and 8 miles NE. of Hastings - par., 965 ac., pop. 613; ancient town, 4508 ac., pop. 1076; P.O., T.O. In Saxon times Winchelsea was one of the principal southern ports, and retained its importance until the 13th century, when it suffered from three inundations, by the last of which it was completely destroyed. The new town of Winchelsea was founded by Edward I. on Iham Hill, about 3 miles NW. of the old town. It suffered at various periods between 1359 and 1449 from attacks by the French; and the gradual withdrawal of the sea ultimately destroyed its harbour. It sent 2 members to Parliament from the time of Edward III. until 1832, when it was included in the parl. limits of Rye. Winchelsea gives the title of earl to the family of Finch-Hatton.