A Baron of the Cinque Ports once had great power within the unique confederation of coastal towns in the south-east of England. The Cinque Ports were originally a group formed for trade and military purposes, and although they still exist, the role of Baron is now entirely ceremonial.

The original ports were Dover, Hastings, Hythe, New Romney and Sandwich. This list was later expanded to include ‘limbs’ which were extensions of the original ports, these towns were: Pevensey and Seaford (limbs of Hastings), Tenterden (limb of Rye), Lydd (limb of New Romney), Folkestone and Faversham (limbs of Dover) and Fordwich and Deal (limbs of Sandwich).

This list of limbs was expanded over the years but has now been reduced to Tenterden, Lydd, Folkestone, Faversham, Margate, Deal and Ramsgate.

There were many rights and privileges given to Barons of the Cinque Ports, including some exemptions from tax and rights over and outside the laws of the land afforded to ordinary citizens. Once considered feudal barons, today a Baron of the Cinque Ports is a purely ceremonial role and is only used at a Coronation of the Monarch.

They are not members of the peerage and so should not be styled Baron or Lord Smith, or even Baron John Smith.

As to the length of the tenure, the role itself has changed so much over the centuries that this is not clear. But one could argue it is now a post held only for the day of the Coronation and should thereafter be referred to as an acquired honour, in much the same way as achieving the Freedom of the City. 

In short, a Baron of the Cinque Ports is a ceremonial role for one purpose only and does not have the rank or privileges afforded to the peerage.

The current Constable of HM Castle of Dover and Office of Warden of HM's Cinque Ports is Admiral Sir George Michael Zambellas, GCB, DSC, who was appointed on 25 June 2024.