Pigot's Directory 1840

From Historical Hastings

The below is an OCR transcription of the 1840 Pigot directory of Sussex, focussing on the Hastings & St Leonards sections. The only edits made have been to expand abbreviations (such as rd. to road, together with capitalisation), adjust formatting to fit on the internet and linking where appropriate to other pages in the Wiki.

HASTINGS

HASTINGS is the chief of the Cinque Ports, a market town, and borough both corporate and parliamentary, having separate jurisdiction, locally in the rape of its name – 62 mile S.E. from London, 71 E. from Chichester, 40 E. from Brighton, and 37 S. from Maidstone (in Kent); situated in a vale, surrounded and sheltered on all sides, save on the south (which is open to the sea), by high hills.

The air is pure, and remarkably salubrious; the landscapes vary with every change of position; and the country abounds with walks and rides of surpassing beauty. Some fragments of a wall, by which the town was formerly environed, are still to be seen.

Castle

On a hill, eastward of the town, are the banks and fosses of an encampment, by some ascribed to the Romans, but by other historians to William the Norman, previous to his memorable battle with Harold. Westward of the town, on the edge of the cliff, are the walls and some other vestiges of a castle of great strength, and formerly of superior importance, erected by the Conqueror in 1067.

Within the walls of the castle, the rubbish having been cleared away, were disclosed the remains of the church and conventual buildings of a free college, supposed to have been founded by Henry de Eu, in the reign of Henry I. The church is more than one hundred feet in length; and adjoining it are to be seen the remains of the ancient parish church of Saint Mary in the Castle, with the prebendal buildings attached: the whole of which, forming a deeply interesting mass of ruins, have been enclosed by the Earl of Chichester.

Shipping

Hastings, as the chief of the Cinque Ports, was in past ages obliged to provide, at forty days’ notice, twenty-one vessels for the king’s service, with provisions, arms and men fit for war, and to maintain them a fortnight at their own charge; if, when that time elapsed, their further service was required, the expense was defrayed by the crown. The harbour, now called The Stade, was formerly a secure anchorage for ships; but in the reign of Elizabeth the pier was destroyed by a storm, and never since been restored; it is in contemplation, however, to construct a harbour off the Stade.

Vessels of from fifty to one hundred tons burden come up here, and are moved up and sown the Stade with surprising celerity. At the west end of the Stade is a fort, which some time back was mounted with twelve-pounders.

Facilities & Entertainments

As a watering place Hastings has long been in high repute, and is rapidly increasing in celebrity. The most excellent accommodations are provided for sea-bathing; the ‘Marine Old Warm Baths’ and the ‘Pelham Baths’ are of a superior description; and the libraries, hotels and lodging-houses are in every respect worthy of this fashionable town.

Races, established in 1827, and assemblies, concerts and regattas in the season, contribute to the amusement of the sojourner: nothing, indeed, appears to be wanting to promote the comfort and pleasure of the numerous and distinguished visiters to this place.

Commerce

From the ancient charters it is evident that the commerce of this port was in former days of considerable importance; bat at present its principle trade depends upon the fishery – about fifteen hundred barrels of herrings are annually dried and sent to different markets. A foreign trade in butter, cheese, rape, &c. from Rotterdam is carried on; and the duties on the imports have recently been allowed to be received by the officers of the customs at Hastings, who likewise superintend the delivery of all foreign merchandize: this is a great convenience to the merchants, who heretofore had to go to Rye to pay the duties, and bring and officer hither to deliver the goods. Coastwise there is a trade in timber, lime, corn, iron and coal, but not to any great amount.Boat and ship building is prosecuted with some activity, and there are several large breweries.

Administration

Previous to the operation of the municipal act the government of the town was regulated by a charter granted by James II. The corporation now consists of a mayor, six aldermen and eighteen councillors, under the style of ‘the mayor, jurats and commonalty of the town and port of Hastings, in the county of Sussex:’ the borough, which is divided into two wards, is provided with a commission of the peace, by virtue of which quarter sessions are held for the borough, before the recorder and justices; and a court of record sits, for pleas and debts to any amount, once a fortnight.

The elective franchise was conferred upon this borough in the 43rd of Edward III; the mayor is the returning officer, and the present representatives are the Right Hon. Joseph Planta and Robert Hollond, Esq. Hastings confers the title of marquess upon the noble family of Rawdon-Hastings.

Places of Worship

The town comprises the parishes of All Saints and St. Clement, both united in one rectory, of which the Rev. John Goodge Foyster is the present incumbent. The churches, which are constructed of flint and stone, have been both handsome edifices, of considerable antiquity, repeatedly repaired, altered and enlarged. There are two episcopal chapels – one in Pelham Crescent, and elegant structure, erected by the Earl of Chichester; the other at the barrack ground, endowed by Mrs. Millward.

A new and very neat baptist chapel has also been recently erected in Wellington Square; and there likewise are places of worship for Wesleyan methodists and independents. Between Hastings and Saint Leonards a Roman Catholic establishment has lately been founded, dedicated to All Souls, the grounds of which occupy nine acres.

Charitable Institutions

The charities of Hastings comprise several excellent ones of a scholastic nature, including endowed schools, others upon the national system, and Sunday schools; besides apprenticeship funds; the Magdalene charity for the distribution of alms to the poor, and a dispensary, to which it is intended to add an infirmary. A literary and scientific institution is established here, supported by members of the highest respectability; and there is a mechanics’ institute.

Periodicals

A journal, called ‘The Cinque Ports’ Chronicle’ conducted with acknowledged talent, and enjoying a circulation of considerable extent, is published in Hastings every Saturday morning.

Markets

A market for butchers’ meat is held under the new town hall on Wednesdays and Fridays; a new market, for all kinds of provisions, is daily open in George Street; and a butchers’ market, at the same place, on Wednesdays and Saturdays: fish is obtained in abundance daily; and a corn market is held every Saturday, at the ‘Swan’ and ‘Anchor' Inns.

Fairs

The fairs are on Tuesday in Whitsun week, the 26th July and 23rd November; that in July, termed ‘Rock Fair,’ is the principal, and is for pedlery, toys, &c.

Other

The population of the Cinque port of Hastings, amounted, according to the returns at the census of 1831, to 10,097 inhabitants.

POST OFFICE, 4 George Street, HASTINGS, John Woods, Post Master.
– Letters from LONDON arrive every morning at twenty minutes before five, and are despatched every night at eight minutes before ten.
– Letters from DOVER, &c. arrive every day at half-past twelve, and are despatched every afternoon at a quarter before two.
– A penny post to ST. LEONARDS every morning at a quarter before five & afternoon at half-past 1.

ST LEONARDS

Is a beautiful and fashionable watering place, in the borough of Hastings and partaking of its municipal privileges, one mile west of that town – seated in a most healthful and delightful situation, having a southern aspect, and well sheltered from the keen winds of the north.

Architecture

The erection of this elegant little place was commenced in 1828, by the late Mr. J. Burton, of London, an architect of distinguished ability, under whose plans and management the buildings were completed; and it is but just to state, that, for taste, convenience, and beauty of architecture, they are not surpassed by any marine residence of similar size in the kingdom. From the esplanade (which extends to Hastings,) the views are expansive and picturesque – embracing, towards the east, the castle and cliffs of Hastings; to the west, Bexhill, Pevensey, Beachy Head and the South Downs; and inland the delightful and interesting vale of St. Leonards.

Facilities

There are numerous handsomely furnished lodging-houses, in charming situations; five superior hotels; together with baths, libraries, reading rooms, public gardens and archery grounds – the entire presenting attractions of no common order. A new church has been completed, for the increasing accommodation of the increasing population, which now exceeds 2,000.

Post Office

Parade, Charles Haywood Southall, Post Master.
Letters from LONDON and all parts arrive every morning at five, and are despatched every night at half-past nine.

DIRECTORY OF HASTINGS


GENTRY & CLERGY.

ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS.

ATTORNEYS.

AUCTIONEERS.

BAKERS.

BANKERS.

  • Smith, Hilder, Scrivens & Co. High Street – (draw on Masterman & Co.)
  • SAVINGS’ BANK, Town Hall – (open every Saturday from 3 to 4) – William Ticehurst, actuary

BASKET MAKERS.

BATHS – WARM AND COLD.

BLACKSMITHS & FARRIERS.

BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS

BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS

.

BRAZIERS AND TIN-PLATE WORKERS

BREWERS

BRICKLAYERS & PLASTERERS

BUTCHERS

CABINET MAKERS AND UPHOLSTERERS

CARPENTERS & BUILDERS

CARVERS AND GILDERS

CHAIR MAKERS & TURNERS

CHINA, GLASS, &c. DEALERS

CHEMISTS AND DRUGGISTS

CLOTHES SALESMEN

COACH BUILDERS

COAL MERCHANTS & DEALERS

CONFECTIONERS

COOPERS

CORN AND SEED FACTORS

COW KEEPERS & DAIRYMEN

DENTISTS

DYERS

  • Fox George (& calenderer) * Tucker William, 13 High Street

EATING HOUSE KEEPERS

ENGRAVER & PRINTER

FELLMONGER, GLOVER AND BREECHES MAKER

FIRE, &c. OFFICE AGENTS

FISHMONGERS

FLY PROPRIETORS

FRUITERERS

FURNITURE BROKERS

GROCERS & CHEESEMONGERS

(See also Shopkeepers; and also Tea Dealers.)

HATTERS

INNS AND HOTELS

IRON MONGERS – FURNISHING

  • Burgess John, 44 High Street
  • Penfold Hugh (to Her Majesty, & manufacturer of Bare’s patent fountain pump), 68, 69 & 70 George Street

JOB & POST MASTERS

LIBRARIES AND READING ROOMS

LINEN DRAPERS

LIVERY STABLE KEEPERS

LODGING HOUSE AGENTS & UNDERTAKERS

MARKET GARDENERS

MERCHANTS

MILLERS

MILLINERS & DRESS MAKERS

NEWSPAPER.

NURSERY & SEEDSMEN.

PAINTERS, PLUMBERS AND GLAZIERS.

PERFUMERS AND HAIR DRESSERS.

PHYSICIANS.

POULTERERS.

PRINTERS – LETTER-PRESS, AND BOOKBINDERS.

PROFESSORS & TEACHERS.

REPOSITORIES – FRENCH AND FANCY.

RIDING MASTERS.

ROPE AND SAIL MAKERS.

SADDLERS.

SHIP AGENTS.

SHIP BUILDERS.

SHOPKEEPERS & DEALERS IN GROCERIES & SUNDRIES.

STATIONERS.

STAY MAKERS.

STONE MASONS.

STRAW HAT MAKERS.

SURGEONS.

SURVEYORS

TAILORS.

Marked thus + are also Drapers.

TAVERNS & PUBLIC HOUSES.

TEA DEALERS.

TIMBER MERCHANTS.

TOBACCONISTS.

TOY DEALERS.

TRUNK MAKERS.

VETERINARY SURGEONS.

WATCH & CLOCK MAKERS.

WHEELWRIGHTS.

WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS.

Miscellaneous.

Public Buildings, Offices, &c.

COACH

To LONDON, the Royal Mail, from the White Coach office, George Street, & Emary’s office, Castle Street, every night at ten; goes through Tonbridge Wells, &c.- the Regulator, from Emary’s office, Castle Street, every morning at nine, and the Paragon at ten.
To LONDON, the Express, from Risby’s office, Castle Street, and the White office, George Street, every morning at nine, and the Despatch at half-past ten – and the Royal Saxon, from Standon’s office, Pelham Arcade, and Hutchings’ office, Castle Street, every morning at a quarter before ten; go through Lamberhurst, Tonbridge Seven Oaks, &c.
To BRIGHTON, the Hero, from Glandfield’s office and Emary’s office, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at ten; goes through Eastbourne and Lewes – the Wonder, from the Swan, High Street, and Waters’ office, Castle Street, and the Magnet, from the Marine and Royal Oak Hotels, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at ten; both go through Battle, &c.
To DOVER, the Reliance, from Emary’s office, Glandfield’s office, and the Swan, High Street, every morning at nine.
To MAIDSTONE, the Liberty, from Emary & Hoad’s office, Fishmarket, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at a quarter before nine.

VANS, &c.

For Passengers and Goods.
To LONDON, the Royal Blue Van, from the Fishmarket, every afternoon at three.
To BRIGHTON and LEWES, Elgar & CO.’s Omnibus, from the Fishmarket, every morning at nine.
To DOVER, Kadwell’s Van, from the Fishmarket, every morning at eight; goes thro’ Rye, Tenterden, Ashford, &c.

CARRIERS,

To LONDON, – Richardson’s Waggon, from Glandfield’s office, George Street, every Wednesday & Saturday afternoon at two.
To BATTLE, – Reynolds, daily – and – Palmer, daily (Thursday excepted.)
To BECKLEY, – Fairball, every Monday and Thursday.
To BEXHILL, – Gander, every Thursday.
To EASTBOURNE, – Gasson, from the Fishmarket, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
To EWHURST, – Watson, every Monday and Friday.
To GUESTLING and FAIRLIGHT, James Burt, daily.
To HAILSHAM, James Hoad, every Wednesday and Saturday.
To NORTHIAM, – Gurrs, every Tuesday and Saturday.
To PETT & GUESTLING, Hills & Catt, every Wednesday and Saturday.
To ROBERTSBRIDGE, George Olive, every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.

CONVEYANCE BY WATER.

To LONDON, the St. Leonard, James Lingham, master, & the Sussex, Thos. Fisher, master, weekly, to Cotton’s wharf, Tooley Street – John Bayley, jun. agent, 25 George Street.
To LONDON, the Phœnix, Captain Betts, and the William Pitt, Captain Waters, weekly, to Fenning’s Wharf – James & Charles Burfield, agents, Fishmarket.
To LONDON, the Milward, Captain White, and the James, Captain Phillips, weekly, to Griffin’s wharf, Tooley St – Thomas Breeds & Co. agents, 61 High Street.

DIRECTORY OF ST. LEONARDS

NOBILITY, GENTRY AND CLERGY.

ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS.

  • Edgar Ann (boarding and day), 55 Marina
  • INFANTS’ SCHOOL, East Ascent – Ann Cane, mistress
  • NATIONAL SCHOOL, East Ascent – John Barnes, master; Sarah Bulley, mistress
  • Phillips Laura (preparatory), West Hill
  • Smith Augustus (boarding and day), West Hill

BAKERS.

BANKERS.

  • Smith, Hilder & Co. (Branch), Marina Parade – (draw on Masterman & Co.) – Chas. Haywood Southall, agt

BOOKSELLER AND PRINTER.

  • Southall Charles Haywood (& print and music seller & library), Marina Parade

BOOT & SHOE MAKERS.

BRICKLAYERS.

BUTCHERS.

CABINET MAKERS.

CARPENTERS.

CHEMISTS & DRUGGISTS.

COAL MERCHANTS.

FANCY REPOSITORIES.

FISHMONGERS.

FRUITERERS.

GROCERS AND DEALERS IN SUNDRIES.

HAIR DRESSERS.

HOTELS.

LINEN DRAPERS.

MILLERS.

PAINTERS AND GLAZIERS.

SMITHS.

STONE MASONS.

STRAW HAT MAKERS.

SURGEONS.

SURVEYORS.

TAVERNS & PUBLIC HOUSES.

WHEELWRIGHTS.

WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS.

Miscellaneous.

  • Burton Messrs. House agents, South Lodge
  • Evenden John, Brewer, Shepherd Street
  • Hoad John & Frederick, Riding masters, South Saxon Hotel, and at Hastings.
  • Job Jos. watch maker, 8 South Colonnade
  • Mitchell George, auctioneer & appraiser, Grand Parade
  • Pain Charles, Veterinary surgeon, Guestling
  • Peerless John, China, glass, &c. dealer, 42 Marina
  • Philpot Mary, milliner, 38 Marina
  • ROYAL BATHS, Marina – Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, attendants
  • Russell William, tailor, 15 East Ascent
  • Segrave John, eating house, Mercatoria
  • Siems Jacob William, confectioner, Parade
  • Skinner William, brick maker, Bopeep

COACHES & VANS

To LONDON, the Royal Mail, from the different Hotels, every night at half-past nine – the Express, from the Victoria, and the Regulator, from the Conqueror Hotel, every morning at half-past eight – and the Royal Paragon, from the Conqueror Hotel, every morning at nine.
To BRIGHTON, the Magnet, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at a quarter past ten – the Hero, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning at ten – & Elgar & Co’s Van, every morning at a quarter past nine.
To DOVER, the Reliance, from the Conqueror, every morning at half-past eight; goes through Rye, Romney, Hythe and Folkestone.

References & Notes