Pictures of Hastings

About Hastings

Hastings is an old fishing town along the southern coast of England. It offers all the traditional amusements of the seaside but retains much of the character of its colourful past.

Rich in history, Hastings is famous world wide for its famous battle in 1066 between the invading Normans and the defending Saxons, a battle which changed the course of British history - The Battle of Hastings. The actual battle itself took place 6 miles inland from the town of Hastings, at a smaller town aptly named 'Battle'. William the Conquerer stepped ashore at Norman's Bay, a beach to the west of Hastings, and the massive Conquerer's Stone, now near the pier, is supposed to be the dining table of where he ate his first meal in England.

There is also a ruined Norman castle on a hill at Hastings which was built a year after the famous Norman invasion. The main remains are parts of the North and East walls, a gatehouse, a tower and an arch, and the dungeons.

Old parts of the town of Hasting's have twisting narrow streets and timbered houses and it's along this part of Hastings you will find the Fishermen's Museum, which holds the last of the town's sailing luggers. You will find two fine churches in Hasting's - St Clement's, which dates from the late 14th century, and the Church of All Saints, which dates from the 15th century. Near the castle are St Clements Caves which is the most extensive cave system in south-east England, and once used by smugglers as secret routes and store chambers. You can go on a tour of these caves whcih gives you a great insight into life in those times. All in all Hastings offers the visitor a great holiday. With Caves, Castles, Amusements, a grand victorian pier, amazing history, and Country Parks with nature trails and clifftop walks, Hastings has become a major tourist resort.

Interesting & Historical Facts about Hastings

In the old part of Hastings, along the beach, you can see the famous 'Net Shops'. These are tall black wooden sheds built to store the fishing nets in. They were built tall because of limited space and inside have several floors.

Hastings facts | East Sussex facts

Related Articles

10 of the Best Seaside Locations to Visit in England

by Sarah