Hastings, a parliamentary and municipal borough and famous watering-place of Sussex, is picturesque situated on the shore, and surrounded by high cliffs on all sides except the south, which is open to the sea. By rail it is 33 miles E. of Brighton and 62 miles SSE. of London. It consisted formerly of only two streets, intersected by a small stream called the Bourne, but is now a large place, whose resident population is doubled during the holiday season. Since the middle of the 19th century the borough has been greatly extended, and some portion of the hills which shelter the town contain several fine streets and terraces. The breezy and nicely-paved esplanade, over 3 miles in length, forms one of the finest sea-walks and drives in the kingdom. The climate is dry and agreeable, and the bathing very good. During cold weather in winter and spring the place is a commended resort for pulmonary complaints, being sheltered by the hills inland from easterly and northerly winds. It is famous for the mildness, salubrity, and evenness of its climate, the mean daily range of shade temperature being remarkably small (9.9) as compared with nearly all other stations on the south coast. It has been said to offer a choice of three climates—the mild of the sea front, the more bracing of the inland, and the extremely bracing and invigorating of the surrounding hills, 500 feet above the sea. The sandy soil secures a dryness of soil and atmosphere not usually to be had at seaside resorts. According to Dr Parsons, 'the hottest days in summer are eight degrees cooler than London, and, contrary to general belief, three degrees cooler than Eastbourne.' The drainage is good, the British Medical Journal stating that 'Hastings is one of the best drained and ventilated of seaside places.' The water-supply is pure and abundant; and salt water is laid on for watering the streets, and can be supplied direct from the main to private houses for bath purposes. The corporation have purchased for a considerable sum the East and West Hills, fine open plateaus commanding beautiful land and sea views, and admirably adapted for golf and other outdoor sports.
The East Hill Cliffs present great interest to geologists, and are part of the property purchased. They descend sheer into the sea, and are remarkable for their rugged beauty as seen from the ocean. There are three large public gardens, one of them exceedingly pretty, and an extensive Alexandra Park, opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1882. The amusements of the place are many and varied. Hotels are plentiful, and several large and flourishing schools have been established, the Hastings centre taking a large place in the Oxford and Cambridge local examinations. A great attraction is the pier, extending 900 feet, and having a spacious pavilion at the sea end giving accommodation for between 2000 and 3000 persons. A similar pier was, in 1890, in course of construction at St Leonards, about a mile westwards. The 'premier Cinqueport' is the largest and richest fishing-station on the south coast. On 16th June 1897 Lord Dufferin laid the foundation of a new harbour of 27 acres. The ruined castle was built by a follower of the Conqueror. Hastings (since 1885) returns only one member to parliament. Pop. of par. borough (1851) 17,011; (1881) 42,258; (1891) 52,340. See W. D. Cooper's Notices of Hastings (1862); and Montagu Burrows' Cinque Ports (1888).
THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS is the usual name given to the great battle at Senlac, near Hastings, in which the English under King Harold were completely defeated by the Norman invaders under William the Conqueror, October 14, 1066. From that fatal day until now the place has borne the name of Battle (q.v.). Harold's force was drawn chiefly from the southern counties, and was firmly posted on the Hill of Senlac, fortified with a stockade and ditch. The Normans were arranged in three divisions, the centre led by the redoubtable duke in person. The Norman foot began the battle, and it is said that the minstrel Taillefer, riding in front singing the Song of Roland, was the first to strike a blow and the first to fall. The Norman foot spent their fury in vain upon the English stockade, while the Bretons on the Norman left wing were quickly put to flight. A cry now arose that the duke was slain, and panic quickly spread throughout the army. 'I live,' shouted William, as he tore off his helmet, 'and by God's help will conquer yet,' and led on his men anew to the attack. Not, however, till by a counterfeited flight he had drawn the English in eager pursuit from their strong position was he able to break their line and obtain a footing on the high ground on which they had stood so stubbornly. With the quick eye of the true soldier, William now commanded his archers: to shoot high into the air that their arrows might fall from above. The English fell quickly, their shields being unable to protect their heads, and the king was soon struck down by an arrow in the right eye. The battle was now lost, but the housecarls fought where they stood till the last man was slain. See the third volume of Freeman's Norman Conquest.