P. M. Powell (-1850)
Peter Malipert Thuillier Powell opened a library on the seafront a year after acquiring property there in 1812. According to Brett, he married clandestinely and rebuilt his premises to two storeys in 1825 - the upper floors being lodging houses run by his wife.
Born to Spanish and English parents around 1771, he was also the builder and proprietor of what was known as the 'New Warm Baths' which were situated on the beach to the east of the fort - almost opposite the entrance to the High Street in 1815. The baths were not successful and were converted into two shops by 1828. Most likely as a result of the failed baths, Powell became bankrupt, being ordered to surrender at the Guildhall in London for a hearing on the 21st of February, 1818[1]. Following this, he moved to America where he died at the age of 79 in 1850. His business post-bankruptcy was eventually acquired by Joseph Cooper who maintained it until around 1850.[2]
Nowadays, Powell's name is better associated with a guide book to Hastings: Hastings and St Leonards Guide around 1820 which ran to eight editions in total[3]
Children
| Children of: P. M. Powell and unknown parent | |||
| Name | Birth | Death | Joined with |
| Samuel Powell (1814-1837)
• | |||
| Louisa Powell
• | |||
Images
References & Notes
- ↑ British Newspaper Archive London Packet and New Lloyd's Evening Post 18 February 1818 Pg. 0002
- ↑ Historic Hastings, J. Manwaring Baines pg. 305 & 404 ISBN: 0948869003 ISBN: 9780948869006 Amazon
- ↑ Brett Manuscript Histories Vol. 2 Chapt. XVIII
