Location
50°54'N
0°43'E
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Winchelsea Beach
(Holidaymakers and Henry VIIIs Fort)
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Origin of Village Name |
Old Winchelsea, originally known as Wincles eg (Winkle Island) , was found on an
island between what is now known as Rye Harbour and Winchelsea Beach . The holiday
resort of Winchelsea Beach is a modern settlement probably lying where the Old
Winchelsea was found.
An extract of the
Nothgyth Quest whose author David Slaughter proposes the following :-
[There is a spoken remnant of history about Cissa the Saxon's family, which
survived locally, relating that his son Winchel or his followers the Wincheling
founded Winchelsea. The writer believes this remnant to be true and that the
first settlement must have been established by Wine Cissing, the original
form of the town's name having been 'Wines cesel ie' and that the present
name of Winchelsea developed from this Old English form.]
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General Details
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Old Winchelsea , originally known as Gwent Chesel Ie , could be found on an
island between what is now known as Rye Harbour and Winchelsea Beach .
An extract of the
Nothgyth Quest whose author David Slaughter proposes the following :-
[There is a spoken remnant of history about Cissa the Saxon's family, which
survived locally, relating that his son Winchel or his followers the Wincheling
founded Winchelsea. The writer believes this remnant to be true and that the
first settlement must have been established by Wine Cissing, the original
form of the town's name having been 'Wines cesel ie' or 'Winchel ie' and that
the present name of Winchelsea developed from this Old English form.]
Winchelsea Beach is another modern resort similar to Greatstone in its age
having been built up just before the 2nd World War to cater for the
holidaymakers.
It consists of a row of modern buildings lying behind the sea defences on the
coast road from Winchelsea to Fairlight. Holiday homes and camps litter the
area, together with the usual seaside entertainments.
To its east lies the old fortification originally known as Winchelsea Castle and
nowadays Camber Castle. This was built by Henry VIII in 1539, on a spit of land
which stuck out into the sea, to defend the entrance to Rye and Winchelsea harbours.
The castle was very nearly demolished in 1626 by Charles I as its upkeep was
deemed unnessary due to the castle now lying 2 miles inland and away from the sea.
Today is is supported by English Heritage and is available to visit on foot.
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Services
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 Winchelsea Beach has a range of seaside and holidaymaker services, within the
village.
The nearest trains run from Wichelsea about 2 miles to the north, and the nearest
major shopping centre is at Rye about 4 miles north east.
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Views
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 Winchelsea Beach has some good views. From the top of the sea wall look south east
towards Camber and Dungeness which is visible on a warm summers day.
To the west lie the red sandstone cliffs at Fairlight which glow with the early
morning sunlight. Inland on its promentory lies the town of Winchelsea which makes
a beautiful view with its walls visible from the beach.
Camber Castle is well worth a visit if you are interested, but it may be easier
to visit by parking at Rye Harbour and walking back.
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