Winchelsea Town

Winchelsea, the smallest town in England, stands 2 miles west of medieval Rye. A charter of 1277 fortified the town against French invaders, the town being rebuilt and laid out in grid form – the first example of town planning in England. The Methodist, John Wesley, preached his last outdoor sermon in the town on the 7th October 1790. Winchelsea has 56 known medieval cellars dating from the late 13th century and most were built to service the wine trade with Gascony. The cellars are open to the public during the summer months via tours which need to be booked in advance. Today Winchelsea is an unspoilt, quiet, small town of much character well with fine views towards the coast.