Introduction

The earliest record of Romney dates from 791 AD. The name, once thought a corruption of Roman-ney, is now believed to derive from the Saxon "rumnea", meaning marsh water.

By 1140 it was a flourishing port extending along the north bank of the River Rother to form the "Longport". But as the harbour silted up, activities centred at the seaward end. Old Romney diminished in importance, while New Romney grew.

However, decline set in after the great storms of the 13th century diverted the Rother to Rye. Efforts to keep the harbour open eventually proved futile. Today the sea is a mile away.