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Wellington Square From the Hastings News of 11/01/1856

Wellington Square was declared a public road.

Surveyor Sacked From the Hastings News of 28/01/1856

Mr Gant, Hastings Council’s town surveyor, was dismissed. John Laing was appointed in his place in March.

Frewen MP From the Hastings News of 06/02/1856

Mr CH Frewen MP announced he was not standing for East Sussex, but for North Leicestershire.

Bigger Gas Works From the Hastings News of 22/02/1856

The Gas Company was to extend its works as demand was so great.

Gaoler Murdered 10/03/1856

Murder of the Hastings gaoler, James Welland, aged c70. He was in service for 14 years. John Murdock, alias Joseph Willis, was executed at Lewes for the murder in August 1856.

Police Uniforms From the Hastings News of 07/04/1856

The police force came out as gay as butterflies this week in new uniforms. Sergeants now had three silver stripes on the arm.

Priory Water From the Hastings News of 11/04/1856

Land was purchased at the Priory for water supply extension; the Priory meadows were to be drained.

Priory Flood From the Hastings News of 18/04/1856

Flood at the Priory after a storm.

Surveyor Missing From the Hastings News of 02/05/1856

Mr Gant, the ex-town surveyor, was missing when police tried to serve a warrant on him to give up possession of certain plans in his possession. A week later, the News reported that Mr Gant had given back the plans ... (more...)

Priory Cricket From the Hastings News of 23/05/1856

The Priory Cricket Club was formed, to play on the West Hill at 5.30 am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

New Boys School From the Hastings News of 30/05/1856

New Boys British School to be opened under Wellington Square Chapel.

Last Hastings Gaol From the Hastings News of 30/05/1856

Hastings Gaol was to cease to be a gaol under the Gaol Act 1856. It was now to be only a lock-up. Some policemen were to be dismissed from the force by the Council’s Watch Committee.

Crimean War Ends From the Hastings News of 06/06/1856

Peace celebrations in Hastings at the end of the Crimean War, with parades, fetes etc.

Railway Sale From the Hastings News of 13/06/1856

Sale of railway plant at Halton by trustees of the late Mr W Hoof, the contractor who built the Hastings-Ashford railway line as far as Lidham Hill, and the Hastings station. He died in August 1855.

St Leonards Cricket Club Formed From the Hastings News of 13/06/1856

The St Leonards Cricket Club was set up. It played Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Swordfish Caught From the Hastings News of 13/06/1856

A swordfish, 6' 4½" long with a 2' 6" sword, weighing 70 lbs, was taken in kettle nets off Bulverhythe.

New Congregational Chapel 04/09/1856

The foundation stone of the new Congregational Chapel in Robertson Street was laid.

East Hill Archaeology From the Hastings News of 05/09/1856

Excavations had taken place on the East Hill by T Ross, local secretary of the East Sussex Archaeological Society, and Mayor. The graves of 40 people had been found.

Railway Land Sold From the Hastings News of 19/09/1856

A sale of surplus land belonging to South Eastern Railway between York buildings and the Hastings Station was held at the Swan Hotel.

First Drains From the Hastings News of 19/09/1856

The first stone of Hastings drainage was laid near the East Hill by the Mayor.

Windmill Damaged From the Hastings News of 26/09/1856

"During the gale of wind which we had last Tuesday [23 September], two of the sweeps of one of Mr Crisford's mills at Fairlight Down, called 'Bachelor's Bump ', were blown off." At least one "came down with a crash ... (more...)

Italian Patriot 25/11/1856

Lecture by Italian Patriot, Felice Orsini, at the Swan Hotel Assembly Rooms.

Holy Trinity Church From the Hastings News of 27/11/1856

The first sod is turned in starting build the new Church of Holy Trinity. The site is in Cambridge Road, just above Holmesdale Gardens, on land donated by Cornwallis Estate. But there was a landslip and the site was abandoned. ... (more...)

New Cemetery and Dead Builder 28/11/1856

Consecration of the new Borough Cemetery on the Ridge by Dr Gilbert, Bishop of Chichester. This followed the parish cemeteries being closed by the 1847 Act of Parliament. There had then been a strong row in Council (and establishment) circles ... (more...)

Death in the Workhouse 02/12/1856

Death of William Guest, 84, a veteran of the Peninsular war, in Hastings Union Workhouse.

New Gasometer From the Hastings News of 05/12/1856

A new gasometer came into use, capable of holding 150,000 cu ft of gas.