Town upholds itsancient traditionof Mayor Making

Winchelsea is the only town in England still to have it’s own Mayor and Corporation with Jurats.

The Freemen of Winchelsea have, as has been the custom since at least 1295, selected one of their number to be installed as Mayor.

The Corporation continues to be responsible for the upkeep of the Court Hall which contains the Town’s Museum and is a Grade 1 listed building. The preservation of this beautiful edifice together with the 3 early Medieval Town gates and two Wells form the limits more or less, of the Corporation’s jurisdiction in the 21st century.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, takes place in the Upper Court Hall at 11am.

The newly elected Mayor and Jurats will then parade in full regalia.

The event is usually attended by Mayors of neighbouring towns such as Rye and Hastings and dignitaries from the District Council.

Current Deputy Mayor Dr John Spencer is expected to succeed standing Mayor Stephen Turner, though traditionally this is kept under-wraps until the day.