Dover, papa reminded us, is one of the original Cinque Ports, so called from their number--five.  They consisted, in the time of William the Conqueror, of Dover, Sandwich, Hythe, Romney, and Hastings.  To these were afterwards added Winchelsea and Rye.  These ports had peculiar privileges given to them, on condition that they should furnish the shipping required for the purposes of state.  When ships were wanted, the king issued to each of the ports a summons to provide its quota.  In Edward the First's time, the number they were bound to supply was fifty-seven fully equipped ships.  The period of gratuitous service was fifteen days, after which they received payment.  The chief officer of the Cinque Ports was called the Lord Warden.  It was considered a high dignity, and was long held by the Duke of Wellington.