Welcome to the new Lord Warden
Published: 07 November 2024
History was made on the 29th of October when the installation ceremony took place of the new Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports, Admiral Sir George Zambellas GCB, DSC, ADC, DL, attended by the Mayors, officers and some of the Councillors from the Cinque Port Towns, which includes New Romney. Full of ancient and modern ceremony and procedure, the day included a procession, led by the band of the Royal Marines, in the grounds of the Duke of York Military School, in Dover, where a formal session of the Grand Court of Shepway took place, followed by a civic reception as well as a flypast.
The office of Lord Warden and Admiral, now ceremonial in nature, was once one of the most powerful in England. It was a vital link between the Crown and ports on the South-East coast which provided a fleet to serve successive Kings for 500 years before the foundation of the Royal Navy. Recent holders of the office have included Sir Winston Churchill (1941-1965) and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (1978-2002). Sir George is only the third Admiral to have held the office during its 800 year history.
The Lord Warden then undertook a tour of the Cinque Ports towns over the next week, and paid a visit to New Romney on the 4th November, where he and Lady Amanda Zambellas were welcomed to the Town Hall Chambers for a reception with the Councillors and staff, and a look around the historic room and artefacts. They then went on to visit the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway at New Romney station, where Station Manager Danny Martin introduced him to some of the volunteers and staff, and Lord and Lady Zambellas had a chance to view the museum and heritage centre. They completed their tour of New Romney with a visit to Littlestone RNLI station where they were able to meet the crew and Sir George presented 15 of them with their Kings Medals.
A few exciting and enjoyable occasions for all involved, that showed New Romney for the historic and active town that it is, to a very interested, approachable and friendly new Lord Warden and his wife.
Follow the link to more information on The Confederation of Cinque Ports and on Sir George's visits to all the Cinque Ports.
Photos by Susan Pilcher – Footprints Photography. More to follow in the coming weeks!
