Medieval confederation of English Channel ports, southeastern England.
To the original "five ports"
Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover , and Sandwich
were later added Winchelsea and Rye. Probably first associated in the reign of Edward the Confessor (r. 1042–66) to defend the coast and cross-channel traffic, they were granted special privileges by the crown and in exchange provided the permanent nucleus of ships and men for the royal fleet. They declined in importance after the 14th century.