Hythe and its members the same likewise -
Making in the whole 57 ships, manned by 1140 men and 57 boys, which quota of vessels and men the ports actually fitted out till such time as larger ships came into use, when they supplied the navy with two or three, being equivalent in value to their original number of 57. Indeed it appears that the Cinque Ports' fleet formed the chief and best part of the Royal Navy, and upon all occasions were ready to guard the narrow seas from pirates infesting the coasts. During the wars between England and France, they were frequently employed in transporting the King and his forces.
Great reliance seems to have been placed by our Kings on the Cinque Ports' fleet, and not unjustly; for King John in his retirement in the Isle of Wight, was nearly forsaken by all his kingdom, save the Ports' fleet, with which he secured himself till he recovered all again.
