Death of Mr NP Nell, a railway worker buried by an earthfall on the Hastings-Ashford line.
Railway Death
From the Hastings News of 02/01/1852
Fatal accident at Hastings railway station, when Richard Boyce, aged 35, was run over by a train.
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...)
Gas Injury
From the Hastings News of 07/05/1858
There was an explosion of gas at the house of Mr Ticehurst, the surgeon. A child employed in the house was burnt.
Schooner Wrecked
From the Hastings News of 20/09/1861
The schooner Midge, 130 tons, was wrecked off the Saxon Hotel by a sudden storm.
A gas explosion occurred in Coburg Place, Old Town, following a gas leak into a sewer near Swan Lane. The effect was said to be similar to a steam engine firing.
A dangerous fall of earth and rocks took place near the Fountain Inn at Marina, due to excavations under the cliff for sand.
The well-known local trading brig Pelican was damaged in collision with the Prospect.
Mayor’s Son Killed
From the Hastings News of 26/01/1866
The steamship London had sunk off Plymouth and the mayor’s son Captain A Ticehurst was killed. A subscription had been started for a plaque in St Clements Church.
Fishing Boat Burnt
From the Hastings News of 10/04/1868
The fishing boat John and James, owner Mrs Page of Bourne Street, ran ashore at Bulverhythe, accidentally caught fire from the stove, and burned out. It was 10 tons, nearly new, and valued at £150.
No7 Beach Cottages was destroyed by a fire started at night by a paraffin lamp. No 6 was badly damaged.
Yacht Disaster
From the Hastings News of 10/06/1870
“Terrible gloom” was cast over the town by the drowning of eight people when the pleasure yacht Royal Albert capsized half a mile off the Fishmarket on Whit Monday, 6 June. The ketch set sail from the beach about 4pm, ...
(more...)
Gas Blast
From the Hastings News of 24/06/1870
Someone looking for a gas leak with a candle at 12 Clarence Terrace, Silverhill, set off an explosion which burned their arms and face, blew out windows and lifted the roof.
Sailing Mayor
From the Hastings News of 15/07/1870
William Scrivens, mayor, accompanied clerks of Beeching’s Bank on their annual aquatic outing in the pleasure yacht Albertine to help offset local prejudice against boating after the June 6 disaster.
Sewage Deaths
From the Hastings News of 12/08/1870
Three men were suffocated in the large underground sewage tank at Rock-a-Nore. One of them was the company chemist. The tank was cleared every tide.
Near-Drowning
From the Hastings News of 19/08/1870
A fence was left open near the well opposite the old Priory Farm house; and a child of three fell into deep water. He was held up by his hair by another child until rescued. This was the second case ...
(more...)
A carter sheltering from a thunder storm under a tree in Ore Lane had a horse killed and his boot sole struck off.
House Burns Down
From the Hastings News of 26/08/1870
Old Shepherds Cottage, thatched, on 40 acres in Ore Lane was burned down in a fire caused by a boy playing with lucifer matches.
Thomas Dangerfield from Wiltshire collapsed and died of heart disease while preaching in the pulpit at Ebenezer Chapel, Tackleway.
Market Tap, 14 George Street, was destroyed by fire at night, despite two out of three sections of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, about 40 firemen, 25 police and several Coastguards. It was “One of the few old erections remaining in ...
(more...)
A brig (two-masted sailing ship), the Equator, bound from the West Indies to Scotland with a cargo of molasses, was hit by another sailing vessel 8-10 miles south of Hastings at night. A third of her side was stove in ...
(more...)
Sudden changing weather this morning brought a storm which caught about 40 vessels lying on the sand or at the stones foot, and unable to get hauled up the beach clear of the heavy seas for want of horsepower on ...
(more...)
Boy Drowns
From the Hastings News of 14/07/1871
A 15 year old school boy, Frederick Henry Roome, a pupil at Hurst Court, died bathing at Ecclesboume Glen, with a Coastguard, who had shown him a safe place to bathe.
Lugger Damaged
From the Hastings News of 01/09/1871
The Hastings lugger Annie Lousia, David White master, was run down by the Wave of Life, 900 tons of Aberdeen; she was hit at bow and above water level. No help given. A spare spar was rigged and she ...
(more...)
Lugger Run Down
From the Hastings News of 24/11/1871
The sailing lugger Fanny was run down off the east coast by a large Norwegian barque. The master, George 'Young Nick' Page, and crew jumped on board. They were landed at Lowestoft "after some harsh treatment". Their vessel, damaged and ...
(more...)
High Street Fire
From the Hastings News of 29/12/1871
Mr Hill's house, the cabinetmaker and upholsterer, 12 High Street, once the Victoria Tavern, caught fire. It spread rapidly, and was a great danger to old property nearby. The fire brigade had a hydrant immediately opposite the house.
Ship Beached
From the Hastings News of 24/05/1872
The ship screw steamship Baltimore, of the North-German Lloyd's line, from Baltimore to Bremen, was in collision off Hastings, and was beached opposite Government House, at the end of George Street. It was 350 feet long, in 8 feet of ...
(more...)
High Street Fire
From the Hastings News of 06/12/1872
Mr Wells, ornamental painter and decorator, 78 High Street, paint and workshop on fire on 30th; the volunteer Fire Brigade put it out. Sgt Glenister and Mr Wells fell through a trapdoor downstairs to the basement.
An inquest on Samuel Carey, formerly one of the crew of the pleasure yacht Albertine, aged 32, heard he was killed while placing the last trough [block of wood] in place for the fishing boat Industry to be launched, and ...
(more...)
Serious Fire
From the Hastings News of 07/03/1873
There was a disastrous fire on the premises of Edmund Strickland, cornfactor, opposite the Congregational Chapel in Cambridge Road ]just above Priory Street]. The streets were crowded watching the three fire engines. It was not insured. Had stabling etc at ...
(more...)
Steamer Aground
From the Hastings News of 11/07/1873
The little steamer Rapid, on its first trip from Eastbourne, ran aground alongside the pier as her inexperienced person in command had come in too close to the shore on a falling tide. She sat on a sandbank for two ...
(more...)
Salvage Case
From the Hastings News of 26/06/1874
The Hastings salvage case was in court. On 24 January 1874 the Kathleen, a ship carrying cotton, was in collision mid-Channel and the crew abandoned her. French and English fishing boats proceeded to tow the boat to Dover. £1,550 was ...
(more...)
Steamers Collide
From the Hastings News of 28/04/1876
A serious collision occurred on 7 April when the steamer Savernake collided with the steamer Vesuvious; the Savernake managed to beach ashore at the Fishmarket whilst the Vesuvious sunk. No loss of life occurred but two Dutchmen were in the ...
(more...)
Three Men Rescued
From the Hastings Observer of 25/04/1879
The fishing lugger Favourite, under Captain James Bumstead, rescued three men near Failight.
Yachtman Dies
From the Hastings News of 14/11/1879
Henry 'Jerry' Curtis died on 8 November. He was for many years skipper of the Albertine yacht. In the storm a few years before, Jerry in securing his boats near the Fishermen’s Church was so seriously injured that both his ...
(more...)
The well-known sailing coaster the Pelican, a brigantine, came ashore at the Fishmarket on Tuesday 11 November to discharge her coal. In the evening when a stiff breeze was blowing she was being hauled off when the hawser broke. She ...
(more...)
Christmas Day Fire
From the Hastings News of 02/01/1880
There was a serious fire in the High Street on the evening of Christmas Day. The two shops at No 48 (opposite the town hall), selling grocery and shoes, were gutted, and the shops on either side were greatly damaged. ...
(more...)
Ore Fire
From the Hastings News of 09/01/1880
There was a fatal fire in Ore on 4 January.
Boat Tragedy
From the Hastings News of 20/08/1880
The Hastings pleasure boat the Velocipede sank on 16 August. Two lives were lost.
Gas Explosion
From the Hastings News of 25/02/1881
There was a fatal gas explosion at Penryn Lodge, Halton, a servants' refuge, killing a 26-year old woman.
Brassey Fire
From the Hastings News of 13/05/1881
A fire at the Normanhurst mansion, north of Catsfield, home of Mr Brassey, was discovered before too much damage was done.
There was a fire in the grocery shop of Mr EW Rubie in All Saints Street. The warehouse was gutted.
Laundry Destroyed
From the Hastings News of 03/03/1882
A laundry at Alma Terrace, Silverhill, was destroyed by fire.
Beauport Park Fire
From the Hastings News of 06/04/1883
A small part of the large house at Beauport Park was destroyed by fire. It was currently occupied by Sir Charles Lamb, who was away at the time.
The Phoenix Brewery in Courthouse Street, owned by Messrs Burfield, was severely damaged by a major fire on the evening of Sunday 29 July. The fire started around 7pm in the boiler house and neighouring parts of the brewery, which ...
(more...)
Castle Street Fire
From the Hastings News of 07/12/1883
There was a fire in Castle Street at the premises of Mr Apps, the butcher, on 3 December. The house was gutted, and adjoining houses badly burned.
Severe Storm
From the Hastings Observer of 11/12/1886
A severe storm did considerable damage to the town. The fishing boat James and Elizabeth was lost.
Fires
From the Hastings News of 07/01/1887
Fire destroyed the Roman Catholic church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Magdalen Road on 3 January. There was also a fire at a tailors and outfitters in High Street on 6 January.
Silverhill Fire
From the Hastings News of 11/11/1887
There was a big fire at the Eldridge and Cruttenden's shop at Silverhill, causing damage estimated at £1,300.
There was a fatal yachting accident at Bulverhythe, involving the yacht Mischief. Two people died.
Tunnel Death
From the Hastings News of 28/08/1891
A young girl died in mysterious circumstances in the Bopeep railway tunnel on 25 August.
Schooner Wrecked
From the Hastings News of 25/09/1891
The schooner Esperance was wrecked off St Leonards on 18 September, journeying from Rochester to Guernsey.
Railway Accident
From the Hastings News of 29/01/1892
There was a railway accident at Hastings on Friday 22 January, and several passengers were injured.
High Street Fire
From the Hastings News of 04/11/1892
There was a serious fire at the workshops of Mr AJ White, basketmaker, of the High Street, on 2 November.
Fishermen Saved
From the Hastings News of 16/12/1892
Two fishermen were washed overboard in a severe gale, which put boats in danger. Richard Berry, one of the crew of Good Intent, and George Mann, of Never Can Tell, were both rescued.
Mr Edwin Mercer, manager of the Electric Light Works in Earl Street, was killed on the railway when something in a tunnel near Tunbridge Wells broke the window of his compartment and the glass struck his head.
"Yesterday afternoon [Thursday 1 June], just as the Guardians were leaving the Board Room at the Hastings Workhouse, a touching scene was witnessed in the entrance hall. Four tiny children had been brought to the House by an elder sister, ...
(more...)
Gas Works Injuries
From the Hastings News of 25/08/1893
Mr Robert Johnson on 23 August suffered a badly crushed foot while working on a crane erecting the new part of the Hastings gas works. On 1 September the News reported that Mr Nelson Johnston died from his injuries after ...
(more...)
Steamer Sinks
From the Hastings News of 22/09/1893
Two steamers were in collision off Hastings on Thursday 21 September, and one of them, the 300 ton Danish vessel Nifn, sank. Her crew of 13 were rescued and landed at Hastings.
Fishermen Rescued
From the Hastings News of 08/12/1893
At the 1 December Council meeting the mayor described the recent rescue of the crew of the Hastings Fishing boat Samson by the captain of the Merlin steamer, with support from Eastbourne lifeboat.
Mysterious Affair
From the Hastings News of 29/12/1893
Two young men were found dead in bed on 27 December in their lodgings, 43 Havelock Road. They were Albert Jasper, master baker, and Frank Stower, chemist's assistant.
Deadly Dog-Cart
From the Hastings News of 20/04/1894
Miss Patton-Bethune, of the Lawn, St Leonards, died from injuries after being thrown from her dog-cart in Hyde Park, London, on 13 April.
Guard Killed
From the Hastings News of 11/05/1894
James Martin, a Hastings railway goods guard, was killed while working for the LBSC Railway on 3 May.
Boy Injured
From the Hastings News of 15/06/1894
Charles Hyland, aged 15, on 8 June lost an arm in a chaff cutting machine while working for the Omnibus Company in Earl Street.
The Hastings pleasure steamer Nelson ran aground on Tuesday 21 August while running between Hastings and Folkestone. On 20 August, the Board of Trade prosecuted the master of the Hastings steamer Seagull for overcrowding.
Boat Damaged
From the Hastings News of 01/03/1895
The fishing smack Fullagar was damaged when it collided with a French boat on Friday 22 February.
Gas Explosions
From the Hastings News of 29/03/1895
Two gas explosions occurred in Pelham Street on Monday 25 March.
Brig Aground
From the Hastings News of 17/05/1895
A French brig (two-masted, square-rigged sailing vessel) ran ashore between Ecclesbourne and Fairlight on Thursday 16 May. It was towed off by the pleasure steamer Seagull.
Shunter Killed
From the Hastings News of 21/06/1895
Thomas Pankhurst, an employee at Hastings railway station, suffered mortal wounds during shunting on 17 June.
Two sisters were drowned while bathing in fog at West Marina on Wednesday 21 August. Miss Grace Brabrook, a 26 year old professor of music, and her 10 year old sister Beatrice, the daughters of a London barrister, were staying ...
(more...)
Boating Fatality
From the Hastings News of 04/10/1895
There was a distressing accident when a young couple were drowned off the beach on Friday 27 September, using one of Mr Hawkins' double sculling boats. George Hawker and Elizabeth Fitt drowned off Rock-a-Nore.
Stables Burnt Down
From the Hastings News of 25/10/1895
Some stables situated under the cliff at the rear of Caves Road, St Leonards, were destroyed by fire on Saturday 19 October.
Horse Kills Man
From the Hastings Observer of 29/02/1896
A horse killed a man outside the stables in Rock-a-Nore Road. Charles Hayward, a 69-year old who worked for a horse cart business, patted one of his horses as he was bringing it out of the stables, but the horse ...
(more...)
Seamen Row Ashore
From the Hastings News of 20/03/1896
Arrival off Rock-a-Nore of a strange rowing boat manned by five seamen from the steam collier the Harlow, disabled near the Sovereign Lightship, on 16 March.
Steamer Wrecked
From the Hastings News of 08/05/1896
The Seagull steamer just sold to a Londonderry firm was wrecked off the Lizard.
A father of three fell to his death over the cliff near Fairlight Glen as he tried to escape arrest by a police officer on Sunday 21 June. John Towner, 28, a bricklayer of Halton, was one of a dozen ...
(more...)
Gale Damage
From the Hastings News of 05/03/1897
In a terrific gale on Wednesday 3 March, Ebenezer Trimming of 46 St Mary's Terrace was killed by a falling wall as he walked up Wallingers Walk on the West Hill. There was considerable damage to harbour works, with 150 ...
(more...)
Store Damage
From the Hastings News of 19/03/1897
A pony, attached to a cart, on 18 March bolted from Wellington Square and ran into the front of the big grocery store Lipton's, at 8 Wellington Place [where MacDonalds is today]. The pony smashed much of the glasswork and ...
(more...)
Mail Driver Killed
From the Hastings News of 02/04/1897
The Hastings-to-Hawkhurst horse-drawn mail cart overturned at Johns Cross, near Robertsbridge, on Tuesday 30 March and its driver Mr Lavender died underneath it.
Railwaymen Killed
From the Hastings News of 27/08/1897
There was a fatal accident at St Andrews Archway on Wednesday 25 August. Mr William Sidney Cozens, an inspector of works for SER, fell down a shaft being sunk by the side of the railway over St Andrews Archway. On ...
(more...)
Railwayman Dies
From the Hastings News of 12/11/1897
An inquiry took place on Tuesday 9 November into the death of William Tutt, aged 62, an outside porter at Hastings railway station. He was found dead by drowning, on the rocks at Rock a Nore. It was an open ...
(more...)
Labourer Killed
From the Hastings News of 12/11/1897
There was a fatal injury to Francis W Burgess, aged 28, a labourer at the timber merchants Brimmell & Miller in Devonshire Road. A large stack of wood fell on him.
There was a fatal accident in the BoPeep railway tunnel. The body of Henry Davis, a platelayer of SER, was found by the track, headless.
Ship Sinks
From the Hastings News of 03/12/1897
There was a collision on 28 November in a terriric gale off the Sovereign Lightship between the steamer Noel, of Dunkirk, and a four-masted sailing vessel that sank almost immediately. The Noel ran ashore and grounded off Dungeness.
Killed by Bus
From the Hastings News of 28/01/1898
Alexander Masey, of 103 High Street, had been run over and killed by an omnibus near the Roebuck Inn, High Street.
Milkman Dies
From the Hastings News of 25/02/1898
Former town councillor Charles Chapman fell dead while on his milk round on 21 February.
John Blomfield, the 13 year old son of the well-known local photographer of the same name, was killed by a cricket ball which struck him over the heart while playing in the Grammar School nets. John senior ran a photographers ...
(more...)
Bravery Award
From the Hastings News of 08/07/1898
Mr WJ Hutchinson received a bravery award on 7 July for saving three people from drowning at White Rock on 22 May.
Hastings Man Lost
From the Hastings News of 11/11/1898
A Board of Trade inquiry was held into the Mohegan disaster on 14 October, when the ship sank off Cornwall and a hundred lives were lost, including a Hastings seaman named Daniells. The News of 18 November said a benefit ...
(more...)
Railway Collision
From the Hastings News of 30/12/1898
A Hastings train was badly damaged in a collision at Appledore, on Romney Marsh. Eighteen people were injured.
Bus Overturns
From the Hastings News of 04/08/1899
The last omnibus from Silverhill on the night of Friday 28 July overturned and seven people were injured.
Drowned in Sewage
From the Hastings News of 10/11/1899
Teh accidental drowning took place of George Archer Williams, the son of George Williams, the Corporation's engineer at Filsham Pumping Station, at Rock-a-Nore Sewage Works.
The Hastings fishing smack Good Intent (belonging to Messrs Alfred W and James Bumstead) struck a rock opposite Warrior Square on Tuesday 21 November and sank almost immediately. The three hands saved themselves.
Soldier W Beney, son of Mr and Mrs J Beney of 2 Bohemia Road, was killed in action in the Boer War. A second son, Thomas, aged 21/2 and also a soldier, was reported drowned at Lindley in November 1900. ...
(more...)
Frederick Moore, an engineer at Eversfield Hotel, was killed by the hotel lift while working on it. His head was crushed and flattened. There was an open verdict, although it may have been suicide.
Edwin George Cornick, a railway carriage cleaner, was run over by a train and killed at Hastings Station. An inquest a few days later decided it was accidental death.
Henry Veness, aged 84, of 7 Shepherd Street, was killed when he fell downstairs.
Workshop Fire
From the Hastings News of 06/07/1900
A carpenters workshop was burnt down on the West Hill on Saturday 30 June.
Child Saved
From the Hastings News of 24/08/1900
Well-known boatman Jack Peddlesden saved another child from drowning near the stone groyne at the east end of the White Rock Baths.
The slaughter house in Hollington Old Lane was extensively damaged by fire. It belonged to Mr Owens, of Norman Road.
Next