Hythe

Hythe is an old Kentish port on the edge of Romney Marsh, one of the original Cinque Ports charged with supplying ships to the English Crown. Its position on the Channel brought trade as well as the danger of raids. Over time the harbour silted and the sea withdrew, diminishing the town's maritime importance. Hythe also suffered a severe fire in 1400, another blow to a community whose fortunes were tied to the changing coast.