Life Beyond Work - History

Hastings and Bexhill are steeped in history. Hastings Castle - England’s oldest Norman fortress - and nearby Battle Abbey are prominent reminders of the monumental events of 1066.

Both towns were havens for smuggling until the nineteenth century, encouraged by their proximity to France.

Hastings has a fascinating medieval Old Town, full of winding lanes, half-timbered houses and, today, a host of restaurants, pubs and antique shops.

St Leonards - in between Hastings and Bexhill - is a wonderful example of a Regency town. It was created by James Burton (1761 - 1837), who saw the opportunity to establish a stylish seaside location. Many stunning Regency buildings still remain.

Hastings also has a historical townscape, with hundreds of imposing Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Television was invented here, by John Logie Baird in 1924. Hastings also has some fascinating museums, including Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, the Old Town Hall Museum, the Fishermen’s Museum and the Shipwreck & Coastal Heritage Centre.

Bexhill has an equally rich history. The first reference to ‘Bexelei’ was in a 772AD charter through which King Offa of Mercia established a religious community.

In 1561, Elizabeth I gave the village to Sir Thomas Sackville; and in 1813 it was inherited by the fifth Earl De La Warr. It was the seventh Earl who, in the late nineteenth century, transformed the village into an exclusive seaside resort. His son organised Britain’s first motor races here, in 1902.

The ninth Earl De La Warr is best known for the construction of the seafront De La Warr Pavilion, in 1935. This Grade 1-listed building and arts centre now stands as an icon for the town, drawing visitors from far and wide.

As well as the Pavilion, today you can visit Bexhill Museum and the Museum of Costume & Social History. Bexhill Old Town is also of great historical interest, including the Saxon St Peter’s Church and a 13th century manor house.

For more on Bexhill, see www.discoverbexhill.com.

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Life Beyond Work - History

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