The Pipewell Gate

The Pipewell Gate . . Winchelsea also known as Ferry Gate. Destroyed in the French attack in 1380, it was rebuilt in 1404 by John Helde the then Mayor.

The road plunges down beneath a steep cliff and it was here that King Edward I had a miraculous escape. He was at Winchelsea to view his fleet, loading for his Flanders campaign, and approached the top of the cliff, which was crowned only by a low earth wall. His horse was startled and jumped the wall then, with its rider, disappeared down the precipice. Horror-struck the townsfolk were in time to see the horse land a full thirty feet below on the road, where it slid twelve paces, stumbling and staggering before the king, still in his saddle turned his horse around and rode straight back to the top.