Hastings
The coastal town of Hastings, situated to the east of Brighton on the border of Sussex and Kent, is one of the most significant historical places in England despite the fact that for most of its life it has been little more than a small fishing village.
Its name originates from the Saxon tribe, the Haestingas, which established it, although there is evidence of both Iron Age and Roman settlement in the area before this. Known by the Saxons as Haestenchester, the town lived a peaceful existence until that is the arrival of the Normans from France in the middle of the 11th century. At that point Hastings was to give its name to one of the most significant battles of not only Britain's but of the world's history, changing Britain's political landscape forever.
After landing at Pevensey, just to the west of Hastings, William of Normandy, the later William I (Conqueror), king of England, marched to Hastings where he confronted and defeated the Saxon King, Harold at what is now the little town of Battle on the periphery of Hastings. After William's success, he established his base at Hastings from which he launched his subsequent conquest of Saxon England. By doing so, William replaced the old Saxon tribal divisions with a new feudal system that was to provide the basis for England's future development. The ruined castle that still dominates Hastings from a steep hill, was the first stone structure that was built by the Normans after their victory at Hastings.
Over the next 300-400 years or so Hastings was to serve as a ship building port, although it was increasingly hampered by French raids that began in 1337. By the end of the 15th century Hastings lost its significance as a port and increasingly acquired a reputation as a smuggling centre that was helped by the numerous coves along its coastline. Towards the end of the 18th century the first visitors began to arrive in Hastings to experience its beaches, fresh air and beautiful scenery. This gradually led to the expansion of Hastings and its sister town St Leonards as major tourist resorts in Sussex.
Despite its expansion, however, it is the "Old Town", which was founded by William I as the "New Burgh", shortly after his invasion of England that is the highlight of the town. This area of Hastings contains many layers of history, most notably represented by its differing architectural styles, from Saxon and Norman through to Tudor and Victorian. It houses some wonderful old pubs such as the Stag, some beautiful churches such as the Church of St Clements, built in perpendicular style and some wonderful old streets such as the Jacobean and Victorian George Street. Leading from St Clements Chuch one arrives at Hastings Castle and St Clements Caves which are reputed to have been used by smugglers in the 18th century.
All in all Hastings offers the visitor a blend of history, culture, charm and beauty which should not be missed on any visit to the coast of Sussex.