The historical importance of the Port and Haven of Sandwich has earned it the title Heritage Harbour.

Dating back to Medieval times, the port is one of only five historic harbours in the UK to have received the prestigious status.

It was awarded by the Maritime Heritage Trust and National Historic Ships UK following an initiative headed by the Sandwich Port & Haven Commission that involves plans to develop a ‘road map’ for a maritime revival of the Haven and its surrounding areas.

The town's maritime history goes back to Roman times.

It 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.

A statement from Sandwich Heritage Harbour Group, which formed to deliver the road map, said: "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."

"This status will present an exciting opportunity for the town to reconnect with its history..."

The mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Paul Graeme, said “Heritage Harbour status is a wonderful achievement and my congratulations go to Sandwich Port & Haven Commissioners and the Heritage Harbour Group for their endeavours.

"Sandwich has an incredible legacy as one of the original Cinque Ports and this status will present an exciting opportunity for the town to reconnect with its history.

"I very much look forward to seeing the group’s plans progress in the coming years.”

Chairman of the Sandwich Heritage Harbour Group, Jeff Franklin, said: “Heritage Harbour status carries the potential to unblock all sorts of exciting opportunities for the haven, the waterway and the port. "We can build on this opportunity to bring the river, its town Quay and the town’s maritime heritage back to life.

"We would like to see more boats arriving, more businesses connected with the waterway and more activity such as the conservation of historic wooden heritage vessels.

"The project being undertaken by the Sandwich Medieval Trust to create a full-size replica of a 14th century medieval cog to be based on the Quay demonstrates what can be achieved.”

The Sandwich Heritage Harbour vision includes plans to promote Sandwich’s unique maritime history.

It aims to attract a fleet of traditional ships to use the facilities of the Port and Haven and create a maritime museum, increasing tourism and community involvement.

It also wants to protect, enhance and enlarge the Quayside and the facilities on offer, protect the waterfront and the town’s maritime heritage assets and promote the highest standards of conservation and environmental protection throughout the length of the river.

Sandwich and the river Stour will now become part of a developing National and European Network of ports and harbours dedicated to preserving each country’s maritime heritage and catering for historic vessels.

Sandwich becomes the fifth UK Heritage Harbour, joining Medway & Chatham, Faversham and Oare, Maldon and Heybridge, and the Exeter Ship Canal and City Basin.

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