New Romney was one of the original Cinque Ports.

In the second half of the 13th century a series of severe storms weakened the coastal defences and the South England flood of February 1287 almost destroyed the town. The harbour and town were filled with sand, silt, mud and debris. The mud, silt and sand were never entirely removed from the town, so today the church, has steps leading down into them from the present pavement level.

Before the desaster, ships moored at the edge of the churchyard