Rye was well represented at the ceremony to officially appoint the new lord warden of the Cinque Ports which took place in Dover on Tuesday, October 29. Admiral Sir George Zambellas is the latest to hold the title which goes back over 800 years.
The ceremony, at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School, was attended by representatives from the Confederation of the Cinque Ports forming the Grand Court of Shepway and included a church service led by the Bishop of Dover.
Mayor Andy Stuart said it was an honour to lead the Rye delegation. “It was a privilege to sign the official scroll from Rye welcoming the admiral to his new post – a piece of history. I was also delighted that Councillor Jo Kirkham was able to join us as, I suspect, she was the only person present this week to have played an official part in the installation of three lord wardens of the Cinque Ports – Admiral Zambellas, Admiral the Lord Boyce and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. As a Rye Town councillor for 50 years Jo is the mother of our council and also, now, the Court of Shepway!”
The pageantry and spectacle of the event impressed Jo Kirkham. “It’s what we do so well in this country and I am so proud to have been part of such a historic event for a third time. The first was in 1979 when the Queen Mother was appointed at Dover Castle and the Royal Marines lined the streets. It was absolutely marvellous. It’s so important we recognise the history of the Cinque Ports and Rye’s role in defending England.”
The role of lord warden began the 11th century. Colonel Anthony Kimber, who was also part of the official Rye delegation, said the event was steeped in tradition “There were ancient texts, precepts and proclamations in what was a colourful gathering and included two bishops, two lord lieutenants, a high sheriff, numerous mayors, mayoresses, clerks and elected members. The new lord warden also invited a large gathering of admirals with whom he had served.”
The theme of the sermon and the lord warden’s speech was service and encouragement for the Confederation to strive “to help all communities in the region, particularly those without voice or agency.”
Image Credits: Anthony Kimber .