New Book Available at Hastings History House

 

This book is a guide to the purpose-built places of worship in what is now the modern borough of Hastings & St Leonards-on-Sea, from antiquity to the present.  Over seventy churches and chapels of various denominations, many of which are no longer in existence or are now closed, are included.

A brief description and history of each building is provided, with pointers for where to find further information, either in publications or via the Internet.

"A much-needed addition to the local history books catalogue.  The researchers are to be congratulated on their achievement in compiling this fascinating work."

Anne Scott, MBE (Chair, the Old Hastings Preservation Society)

ISBN 978-0-9573030-8-9

£12.50

9780957 303080>

Hastings History House
21 Courthouse Street
Hastings

Open Thursdays and Saturdays (Due to volunteer shortage)
11a.m. - 4p.m

THE MILLS AND MILLERS OF HASTINGS AND ENVIRONS, - New Book

A major new book by amateur historian Bob Wilcock has just been published and is being launched at an illustrated presentation at Hastings Museum at 2pm on Sunday 30 March -https://www.hmag.org.uk/event/mills-and-millers-of-hastings/ . 

The event is free and there is free parking. 

The book will be available to purchase at a significant discount on the recommended retail price, and after the event will be on sale at the Museum, and in Hastings History House in Courthouse Street.

Bob is descended from the Carswell family who were Hastings’ principal millers and bakers in Georgian times.  The dynasty was started by Bob’s 6xgreat-grandfather Richard Carswell . A tailor and Customs Officer, he only became a miller when he retired.  In trying to delve into his story Bob discovered there was no book giving the history of milling in Hastings, .

Previous researchers, including the renowned curator of Hastings Museum, J. Manwaring Baines, acknowledging that Hastings mills history is among the most difficult to tackle, particularly the most prominent site, the West Hill.

The result of 10 years of meticulous research, Bob’s book has risen to the challenge, and, in the words of one reviewer “the book will be the definitive source of mills, millers and owners for Hastings and its environs.” 

Bob’s innovation is to focus on the millers, mill owners and mill workers, their fascinating lives, their families, their milling connections.

The Carswells were followed in Victorian times by the Haywards at Baldslow and the Crisfords at Fairlight, then William Draper and his sons kept traditional milling going well into the twentieth century.

Friends of Hastings Cemetery Website = latest stories added

 NEW STORIES -

Beck, Henry & his wife Emily - there is little known, partly because it is a common name in these parts; the memorial is an unusual shape.

Todd, Tru, wife Elizabeth and niece, Elizabeth Rich - in censuses Tru is described as a Fish Hawker, and after they were married Elizabeth joined him and for many years people had memories of them hawking shrimps.  Elizabeth came from Fairlight, and used to sell sweets and souvenirs at Lovers’ Seat.

Recent Stories

Kingsnorth, Emily - a widower running a boarding house when she first came to Hastings.

Orr, William & Alice, and daughter Alice - A Scotsman who came to Hastings after serving in both world wars

Updated Stories

Beagley, Richard & Mary - lived locally, members of the temperance movement.

Boulnois, Charles & Family - legal, India, explorers, Sudan, authors, artists……..

Burguieres, Philippe Julien & third wife Tryphena - French language & literature professor, inhabitant of Hastings for many years, remembered on two gravestones, one in Kent.

New Book!

 

£7.50 from Hastings History House

21, Courthouse Street

01424424744

Hastings Town Centre Heritage Trail Booklet

 

£4 from Hastings History House,

21 Courthouse Street

01424424744

Hastings History House - Exhibition on ....