Priory Bridge

The Priory Bridge was the lowest of the bridges over the Priory Stream. It is believed to have been in existence since the date of the adjacent Augustinian Priory of the Holy Trinity. The location was marked for a period by means of the Albert Memorial. Currently no trace remains although there may be remnants some 7 metres below the current ground level.

1820 Reconstruction

A stone bridge, ten feet wide and suitable for horse-drawn carriages, was built across the Priory Stream to replace the wooden construction between 1820 and 1827, in a similar location to that later construction, the Albert Memorial of 1862. The crossing formed a key component of the only road leading to the west from Hastings. The portion of road going up onto White Rock and Cuckoo Hill was improved c1797, this road being called the Hollow Way because it was cut into the rock to lessen the slope. Dorset Place is the modern name for this older road

Demolition

The bridge was demolished in 1835; the stream having been culverted with an iron pipe leading to an outfall on the beach

Investigations

When excavations were undertaken to remove the obstruction caused by Reeves corner, some timbers were found, but these were not believed to be the bridge, although it was speculated in the press that this may be the case.

Earlier excavations whilst draining a pond near the Priory Farm also revealed some large timbers, but again these were believed to relate to early flood prevention measures.

Images

• Images
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  Rock Fair 1811 (Paul Sandby Munn)

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  Priory Ground from Bohemia 1827

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  America Ground

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  Priory Bridge and Farm (Rouse)

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  Page206-Second Priory Bridge - 1831-Hastings of Bygone Days and the Present