The new Deputy of Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea is Steven Archer, who was sworn in on Choosing Day – traditionally the first Monday in December.

The ancient ceremony in All Saints’ church saw Mr Archer take over the role from Robert White who – following a short service conducted by the Rev. Caroline Beckett – reported on his visits and achievements for the past year.

Mr Archer (seen right with banner) joined the Liberty in 1999, became an assistant in 2018 when Peter Ball was Deputy, and was senior assistant to Mr White for the past year. Married to Carolyne – now the Lady Deputy – he has two children and five grand-daughters.

The Deputy’s year includes raising money for local charities and good causes. “I’m looking forward to improving the stroke survivors’ club at Brightlingsea Regent Football Club and helping the Pioneer Sailing Trust to engage more young people into the comradeship of sailing,” said Mr Archer.

The choosing day ceremony was attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex, The High Sheriff of Essex, The Mayor of Brightlingsea, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Sandwich, The Mayor of Fordwich and the Chaplain of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea.

Eleven new Freemen – who must have lived in the town for a year and a day – were ‘recognised’. Those “who had the good sense to have married a Brightlingsea girl” are given their freedom without payment. “Foreigners” are fined eleven old pennies for the privilege.

The Cinque Ports were originally the most important channel ports, contracted to provide ships and men “for the service of the monarch”. Brightlingsea is a limb of the port of Sandwich and the only one not in Kent or Sussex. The Deputy’s role – and that of the Cinque Ports – is now purely ceremonial.

For more information about the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea, click here.