Mastins

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Mastins were a large department store located in Breeds Place that opened in 1872, becoming the leading family business in town until its closure in 1969. The premises then stood empty until being demolished in 1972.

Foundation

Thomas Mastin and his brother John were members of a large Lincolnshire Family. The two brothers moved to Hastings, with Thomas being listed as a drapery apprentice in 1871 at William Bowerman's drapery store located at 14 Robertson Street. By the following year (1872) they had founded Mastin Brothers in Breeds Place^[1].

1904 Fire

On the 9th of December 1904, Mastins suffered a disastrous fire, with nearly £12,000 of damages caused. The blaze reportedly partially ruined the store, with a narrow escape for girls employed in the store and two firemen. This was the first time in the history of the Hastings fire brigade that all the men were called out, and may have been the biggest fire ever faced by the volunteer brigade. The scene was captured by Judges on their postcards. Business was at a standstill for some time afterwards.^[2]