Admiral Sir George Zambellas GCB DSC DL, the newly installed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, accompanied by his wife, Lady Amanda Zambellas, made a notable visit to Faversham Tuesday 30th October. This was the first stop in a week-long tour of all 14 Cinque Ports, marking an important recognition of the town’s heritage and its role within the historic confederation.
Sir George and Lady Amanda began their tour by exploring Faversham’s unique history, including a viewing of the town’s precious 1300 Magna Carta and other charters, which are integral to Faversham’s rich legacy. They continued to Faversham Creek, where local representatives highlighted both the heritage and the ongoing challenges in maintaining this vital waterway. A significant point of discussion was the issues surrounding the Old Town Warehouse and the opening bridge, which is crucial for navigation and access to the creek.
The Lord Warden’s visit also included a stop at the Purifier Building. Here, Sir George met with Alan Thorne, who leads an inspiring community boat building project that preserves traditional skills while fostering community engagement. The Lord Warden showed great interest in the project’s role in connecting people to the region’s maritime heritage and supporting community initiatives.
“We are honoured to welcome the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports to Faversham,” said The Mayor of Faversham, Cllr Josh Rowlands. “His visit underscores the town’s historic significance within the Cinque Ports and highlights our ongoing dedication to preserving our unique maritime and community heritage.”
The visit from the Lord Warden was a memorable occasion for the people of Faversham and reaffirmed the town’s commitment to preserving its history while fostering projects that build community and honour the traditions of the Cinque Ports.