Five (now seven) ports or havens ou the south-east coast of England, towards France, formerly esteemed the most important in the kingdom. They are Dover, Sandwich, Roiuney, Hastings, and Hythe, to which Wiuchelsea and Rye have been since added. They had similar franchises, in some respects, with the counties palatine, aud particularly an exclusive jurisdiction , (before the mayor and jurats, corresponding to aldermen, of the ports,) in which the king’s ordinary writ did not run. 3 Bl. Comm. 79. The 18 & 19 Vict. c. 4S, (amended by 20 & 21 Vict. c. 1,) abolishes all jurisdiction and authority of the lord warden of the Cinque Ports and constable of Dover Castle, in or in relation to the administration of justice in actions, suits, or other civil proceedings at law or in equity.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
