<P> The Confederation of Cinque Ports (/ sɪŋk pɔːrts /) is a historic series of coastal towns in Kent and Sussex . It was originally formed for military and trade purposes, but is now entirely ceremonial . It lies at the eastern end of the English Channel, where the crossing to the continent is narrowest . The name is Norman French, meaning "five ports". They were: </P> <Ul> <Li> Hastings </Li> <Li> New Romney </Li> <Li> Hythe </Li> <Li> Dover </Li> <Li> Sandwich </Li> </Ul> <P> However, Rye, originally a subsidiary of New Romney, changed to become one of the Cinque Ports once New Romney was damaged by storms and silted up . </P>

What are the names of the cinque ports