Hastings Chronicle

Castle Hotel Improvements From the Hastings News of 07/01/1859

A new concert room started at the back of the Castle Hotel in Wellington Square. The hotel was also to be improved. Assembly Rooms opened on 15 December 1859.

New Music Hall and Assembly Room From the Hastings News of 14/01/1859

The big new Music Hall, also called the Central Assembly Room, lying between Robertson Street and Havelock Road, was opened on Wednesday 12 January. The News said it was "comfortably filled with, probably, the largest company that has ever gathered ... (more...)

New Bank 31/01/1859

A new Hastings Bank opened at 5 Pelham Place.

Laing’s Map Published From the Hastings News of 25/03/1859

Hastings Council published an important new map of Hastings and St Leonards by the town surveyor, Mr Laing.

Police: New Uniforms From the Hastings News of 08/04/1859

Hastings Police were to have new uniforms, with a frock coat replacing the ‘swallow tail’.

Liberals Win Election From the Hastings News of 15/04/1859

With the general election coming up, "the phenomenon of 1852, when two Conservatives in Hastings worsted two Liberals, is not likely to occur again". In the 1857 election, the winners were Liberal Fred North and Tory Patrick Robertson. In the ... (more...)

Rifle Volunteers Launched 05/05/1859

A group of local men willing to take up arms against the French was launched. The First Company of the Cinque Ports Rifles was formed in John Banks' schoolroom at a meeting organised by Hastings News owner William Ransom, Mr ... (more...)

MPs Elected 31/05/1859

Election: Frederick North was returned as MP, plus Lord Harry George Vane was elected.

Halton Infant School From the Hastings News of 03/06/1859

A new Infant School opened at Halton, next to the old school.

New Fountain From the Hastings News of 15/07/1859

A new drinking fountain was to be built by public subscription next to Holy Trinity Church in Robertson Street, on the corner with Trinity Street. It would be dedicated to Lady Waldegrave. [Still there.]

St Mary Magdalen Chapel From the Hastings News of 15/07/1859

The foundation stone of the new Christ Church in London Road was laid. It was funded by Lady St John to help the many poor people living in central St Leonards. The stone was quarried on the site. It was ... (more...)

Postmen’s Uniforms From the Hastings News of 12/08/1859

Postmen were to have uniforms of red coats.

Earl Waldegrave Dies 24/10/1859

Death of Earl Waldegrave, aged 71. He was buried at Fairlight Church.

Market Hall From the Hastings News of 11/11/1859

A licence was granted for the new theatre in the Market Hall, near the Anchor pub, George Street.

Claremont Steps From the Hastings News of 11/11/1859

The steps from Claremont to Cambridge Road were to be widened.

Volunteer Artillery From the Hastings News of 16/12/1859

A local Volunteer Artillery Corps was to be formed, because of the imminent fears of war with France.