Hastings Chronicle

George Street Fortification From the Hastings News of 23/01/1857

Excavations for drains in George Street revealed the remains of former fortification. A drawing was being made by town surveyor Mr Laing. A copper groat of Henry VIII was found nearby.

First Telegraph Line From the Hastings News of 05/03/1857

An electric telegraph line on the South Coast Railway was opened as far as Bopeep.

General Election 30/04/1857

General election: Hastings MPs Patrick Robertson and Frederick North were returned.

St Clements Church From the Hastings News of 01/05/1857

A committee was being formed to raise money for the proposed new peal of bells for St Clements Church.

Charles Kingsley Preaches 17/05/1857

Author Charles Kingsley preached a sermon in the Fishermen’s Church.

Congregational Church Opens 24/06/1857

The new Congregational Church in Robertson Street opened. It is enlarged in 1864.

Bank Bust 26/06/1857

The Hastings Old Bank in George Street closed because it had gone bankrupt. It was the town's oldest bank, formed by local entrepreneurs in 1791.

Holy Trinity Church Starts 22/07/1857

The foundation stone of the Holy Trinity Church in Robertson Street was laid by Lady Waldegrave. The architect was the famous Samuel Sanders Teulon who designed many other churches, including Rye Harbour. The builder was John Howell. The site cost ... (more...)

High Street Fire From the Hastings News of 07/08/1857

Fire in the High Street premises of Mr W Pollard, bookbinder.

Notable Suicide From the Hastings News of 21/08/1857

Death by suicide of local establishment figure John G Shorter, after long and painful illness. He was town clerk, clerk to the borough magistrates etc.

New Street Names From the Hastings News of 11/09/1857

The new streets of Robertson Street and Trinity Street were given their names.

Shipwreck Tragedy 07/10/1857

A small collier, en route from Newcastle to Falmouth, is wrecked in a gale on the rocks at Rock-a-Nore. Many people try to rescue the four crewmen, but the sea is too rough and the gale too strong. After an ... (more...)

Gun on Display From the Hastings News of 09/10/1857

A captured Russian gun was to be sent from Admiralty as a trophy of the Crimean War. It would be placed on the seafront, in Marine Parade.

Bank Moves From the Hastings News of 04/12/1857

The London and City Bank’s Hastings branch was to move to Pelham Place from George Street, where the Hastings Old Bank was.