The History and Antiquities of the Town and Port of Hastings
William Moss published his “ The History and Antiquities of the Town and Port of Hastings” in 1824. The actual production itself was interesting because it appeared in three distinct physical sizes, small medium and large - all using the same letterpress blocks and engravings but with varying margins to suit the dimensions of the book. As was customary at the time the engravings were printed by a specialist printer and married to the letterpress text by the bookbinder. In this case the book was printed by W Lewis, Finch Lane Cornhill and the engravings by R Miller.
Please note that a number of pages were blank in the original. Where these acted as a reverse to images etc., and break up the flow when converted to this site's formatting, they are not included in this transcription - hence there are some 'missing' page numbers in the left border (for example page 5).
Copies of the book in other formats may be found here: The History and Antiquities of the Town and Port of Hastings: Illustrated by a Series of Engravings (Moss 1824) Google Books ESCC Library Order via Amazon.
THE
HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
OF THE
RAPE OF HASTINGS,
SUSSEX.
COMPRISING THE HUNDREDS OF GOLDSPUR, STAPLE, SHORYSWELL, HENHURST, HAWKBOROUGH, NETHERFIELD, FOXEARLE, BATTEL, BALDSLOW, NECFIELD, GUESTLING , AND BEXHILL, WITH THEIR SUBDIVISIONS OR PARISHES
Illustrated with Engravings.
FROM ORIGINAL DRAWINGS, MADE EXPRESSLY FOR THE WORK.
BY W. G. MOSS, DRAUGHTSMAN
TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE.The acknowledged importance of Topographical Works, on which it is needless here to expatiate, and the pleasure as well as instruction they are capable of affording, when respectably edited and embellished, as procured for them , in the present age, a degree of patronage, equal, if not superior to almost any other line of literature. To endeavour to increase the public stock of information, on a subject so much in request, therefore, seems under these circumstances to be, at least, laudable.
Among the numerous places which continue to receive illustra[ ii ]tion, in consequence of the encouragement mentioned , few more deserve notice than the county of Sussex ; and of that interesting part of the kingdom, no portion offers so fertile a field for the exertions of the local historian and the artist, as the district it is here proposed to publish an account of -- THE RAPE OF HASTINGS : celebrated as the scene of some of the greatest events recorded in our Annals ; importantly connected ,as being the principal member of the Cinque Ports, with the rise and establishment of our naval superiority ; singular, in many respects, from the peculiar nature of its political immunities ; and, abounding in antiquities and the finest picturesque views, it seems to afford more than usual facilities for the production of a work worthy the present advanced state of knowledge and the arts. Besides joining the county of Kent, the civilization of whose inhabitants gave them , with the Romans, a superiority over the other aborigines of Britain, this part of Sussex was itself, with the other Belgic provinces, the recorded scene of no less than thirty two battles with that people. In the Saxon and Norman eras it became equally distinguished for its civil establishments and military transactions. Its religious foundations before the dissolution of monasteries, particularly that of Battel, were of the first class ; and, in the respectability and high antiquity of its nobility and gentry, it yields to no part of the empire.
The literary department of the work now offered to the public will contain a General History of the Rape of Hastings, its Towns, Villages, Hamlets, Parishes, Manors, &c. their Trade, Population, Public Establishments, and Government, both civil and ecclesiastical; Accounts of Convents, Churches, Castles, Seats, Mansions, and other Buildings ; Pedigrees, with Biographical Notices of Eminent Persons and Families ; funeral and other Monuments, and miscellaneous Objects of Antiquity and Curiosity . It will be compiled from unpublished manuscripts in public and private collections, and the best and most authentic printed authorities. The graphical embellishments will consist of highly - finished copper plate Views of Churches, Castles, Remains of Religious Edifices,- [ iii ]Towns, Seats, &c. by the first engravers, exclusive of vignette Wood-cuts of Armorial Bearings, Sepulchral Crosses, Seals, and other objects of Antiquity or Curiosity : the whole executed from drawings purposely made for the Work.
The History of the Rape will not exceed EIGHT Parts, forming two volumes. The First Part will be published on the first of January, 1825, and continued every alternate month, and will be printed and embellished in a similar style with the History and Antiquities of the Town and Port of Hastings, just published; of which work it is intended to form a continuation : each Part will contain four or five plates, and a proportionable quantity of letter press. Price, Demy 8vo. 58.; Royal 8vo. 7s. 6d.; ditto, with proofs on India paper, 10s. 6d. ( 1 )
PART I. will contain the following views :
1. A General View of Hastings, from the Sea .-- 2 . The Gateway and Principal Front of Battel Abbey.-3. Rye Church . - 4 . The Interior of Icklesham Church . - 5 . Ruins at Crowhurst.
Those ladies and gentlemen who intend to honour this work with their patronage, and to possess early impressions of the plates, are requested to send their names and address to W. G. Moss, Hall-Place, Kennington, who most respectfully solicits, towards its improvement, the assistance of the local clergy, and of gentlemen accustomed to Topographical Researches, any communications from whom will be thankfully acknowledged.
Orders for it will also ineet with every attention, directed to Mr. G. West, Bookseller, Hastings; the Booksellers of Rye ; Winchelsea ; and Battel; or to the Publishers, Messrs. SIMPKIN and MARSHALL, Stationers-Court, Ludgate-Street; JENNINGS, Poultry : J. Major, Fleet-Street ; or to W. CLARK , New Bond Street.
( 1) At the particular request of several subscribers, fifty copies will be printed in Demy 4to, on superfine drawing -paper, with proof impressions on India paper. Price £1 1s. each Part.
W. LEWIS , PRINTER , 21 , FINCH- LANE, LONDON .
[ viii ]
[ ix ]
THE
HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
OF THE
TOWN AND PORT
OF
H A S T I N G S.
Illustrated by
A SERIES OF ENGRAVINGS, FROM ORIGINAL DRAWINGS .
BY
W. G. MOSS,
DRAUGHTSMAN TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE .
LONDON : PUBLISHED BY W. G. MOSS, KENNINGTON ;
AND SOLD BY SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL , STATIONERS'-COURT, LUDGATE
STREET ; AND WEST , HASTINGS .
1821 .
PRINTED BY W. LEWIS , FINCH LANE , CORNHILL .
[ xi ]
TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE
THOMAS, EARL OF CHICHESTER,
BARON PELHAM, F.R.S
POST-MASTER-GENERAL, AND ONE OF HIS MAJESTY'S MOST HONOR ABLE PRIVY-COUNCIL, &c. &c. &r
This WORK ( BY PERMISSION ) IS MOST RESPECT FULLY AND GRATEFULLY INSCRIBED .
My LORD ,
The permission condescendingly granted me by your Lordship , to inscribe to you the present volume, as well [ xii ]as the distinguished honor you have conferred on it by your patronage, both for the advantages they have been attended with to myself, personally, and the value and importance
they give the Work, demand every expression of my most respectful thanks and gratitude.
There are many reasons which render it peculiarly my duty to dedicate this work to your Lordship. Not to mention my own individual obligations, to whom could it be offered with more propriety, than to a nobleman known and distinguished, as is your Lordship, as a patron of literature and the fine arts. But the subject treated of, gives it still higher claims to your notice and protection. Your Lordship and your ancestors have for centuries been lords of the Hundred of Hastings, and its manors, and are identified with the place, as the most conspicuous and leading characters in every event connected with its localities, and which not only constitute a part of the English Annals, but have been at different times the proud themes and subject of our national glory. I could dwell longer on this head, my Lord, but history has already anticipated my wishes, in a way, more worthy than could be any eulogium of mine, of your Lordship and your Noble Family.
That your Lordship may long enjoy the honors you possess, and that have been transmitted to you, undiminished and untainted, through a long line of illustrious ancestry, is the fervent wish of, My LORD (with every sentiment of respect and gratitude)
Your Lordship's most obliged And very humble servant,
Kennington,
July, 1824.
W. G. MOSS.
[ xiii ]
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS
TO THE
History of Hastings.
HIS MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY
KING GEORGE THE FOURTH .
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE,
K.G. and K.C. B.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER,
K.G. and F. A. S.
His Grace The DUKE OF BEDFORD, F.A.S. The Right HONORABLE THE EARL OF CHICHESTER, F.R.S. The Right Honorable the EARL OF ASHBURNHAM, D.C.L.
and F. A.S.
The Right HONORABLE The EARL SPENCER, K. G. and F. R. S. The Right HONORABLE The EARL OF LIVERPOOL, K.G.
and F. R.S. The Right Rev. The Late LORD BISHOP OF CHICHESTER . The Right HONORABLE LORD SHEFFIELD, F.R.S. and F.A.S.
The Right HONORABLE LORD ARUNDEL. Sir WILLIAM ASHBURNHAM, BART.
SIR CHARLES MERRICK BURRELL, Bart. M. P. Sir RICHARD COLT HOARE, BART. F.R.S. and F.A.S.
SIR JAMES BLAND LAMB, BART. Sir F. BAKER, BART . F.R.S. and F.A.S. The HONORABLE W. H. J. SCOTT, M. P. JAMES DAWKINS, Esq. M. P. F.R.S. and F.A.S.
WALTER BURRELL, Esq . M. P. E. I. CURTEIS, Esq . M. P.
GEORGE WATSON TAYLOR ,> Esq. M, P. T. P. COURTENAY, Esq. M. P.
The CORPORATION OF HASTINGS.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS .
A.
ABSALOM , P. Esq. Lyon's lon. '
ADDERLEY, THOMAS, Esq. 77, Great Surry -street.
AMOORE, Mr. Hastings.
Ash, the Rev. John George , Ditto.
Askew, WILLIAM , Esq . Ditto.
Austin, Mr. Stamford Hill.
B.
BAKER, Mr. Hastings.
BALL, J. H. Esq. Herne Hill, Camberwell.
BALLARD, H. Esq. Hastings.
BARLING , Mr. Ditto.
BARNES , Mr. A. London-street, Fenchurch- street.
BARRY, Mr. Marine Library, Hastings.
BARTON, THOMAS, Esq. Battle.
BATTY, ROBERT , Esq. M. D. Fairlight Lodge , Hastings.
BEAUMONT, Miss, Theatre Royal, Covent-garden .
BIGNELL, Mr. 34 , Green -street, Bethnal Green.
BIRD, Mr. Cannon - street.
Bossom, Mr. Hastings.
BOAKENHAM , Mr. Hackney -road.
Breeds , WILLIAM , Esq. Hastings.
Breeds, Boykett, Esq. Ditto.
Brewer , Mr. N. Duke-street, Manchester square.
Briscoe, WASTEL, Esq. Hastings. BROWN, JAMES, Esq. Crown-row , Mile End.
BRYANT , J. Esq . Hastings.
BURROWES, Mr. Camberwell.
C.
CADMAN , CHARLES , Esq. Finsbury- square.
Caley, John, Esq. F. A. S. Gray's Inn.
CAMAC , WILLIAM , Esq. Hastings.
CARDALE, William, Esq. Hollington Lodge, Battle.
CHATTING, Miss, Wandsworth. Cleveland , Mr. T. D. Hastings.
COLLINGWOOD, GEORGE , Esq . Ditto.
COMER , T. Esq. Theatre Royal Drury-lane.
Comer, Miss, Bath.
Cooke, Harry, Esq. Palace Yard.
COOKES, Mr. Woodstock -street, Bond-street.
CROUCH , C. S. Esq. late Mayor of Hastings,
E.
EMERY, Mr. T. R. Castle Hotel, Hastings.
ENTWISTLE, H. Esq. Seven Oaks, Kent.
F.
FAGO, MATTHEW , Esq. Hastings.
FARNCOMB, THOMAS, Esq. Ditto.
FAULKNER, GEORGE, Esq. New Kent Road.
FENNER, Mr. Tunbridge Wells.
FLETCHER, J. H. Esq. York .
FREELING , F. Esq. F. A. S. General Post-office.
FREELING, G. H. Esq. Ditto .
FURRANCE, Mrs. Old-street, London.
G.
GILL, D. Esq. Customs, Hastings.
GOODALL, Mr. Camden Town.
GORHAM, the Rev. G. C. Clapham , Surry.
GRAHAM, Mr. George-street, Westminster.
GRAY, Mrs. FRANCES, Hastings.
GREEN, William, Esq. Audit-office, Somerset-place.
GREEN, Edward, Esq. Camberwell.
GREENWAY, Mrs. Cheyne Walk, Chelsea.
H
HAY, Major RICHARD, Rye.
HEARN, W. S. Esq. Lucas-street, Commercial-road.
HEATHCOTE, John, Esq. Charles-street, Berkeley -sq.
HEATHCOTE, Robert BOATHLEY, Esq. Ditto.
HEDGES, H. Esq. Hayes, Middlesex.
HODGSON and Co. Newgate-street, London.
HOGGART, C. L. Esq. London .
HOLBROOKE, Frederick, Esq. F. A. S. Nottingham-place,Mary-le-bone.
HOLMES, the Rev. John, Gawdy Hall, Norfolk .
HULKES, JAMES, Esq. Tovil-place, Maidstone.
I.
INSKIPP, Mr. J. Hastings .
JENNINGS, Mr. Bookseller, Poultry.
JOHNSON, Samuel, Esq. Kent-road.
JONES, the Hon, Mrs. Government House, Hastings.
K.
KAY, ROBERT, Esq. Pelham Place, Hastings.
KAPPEN, William, Esq. Somerset- house.
KAY, Joseph, Esq. Architect, Greenwich Hospital.
KEY, Mr. William, Southwark .
L.
LAMB, the Rev. George AUGUSTUS, D.D. Rye .
LAMBERT, James, Esq. F. A. S. Bedford-row .
LARDNER, J. H. Esq. Rye.
LAYTON, Mr. James, Newington , Surry.
LESTER , Mrs. Camberwell.
LEWIS, Mr. William, 21, Finch-lane, Cornhill.
LILLEY , SAMUEL, Esq. Peckham , Surry.
M.
MAJOR, Mr. Bookseller, Fleet-street.
MANNINGTON, John, Esq. Hastings.
MANNINGTON, THOMAS, Esq. Ditto.
MARKLAND, Mrs. J. H. MILLER, Mr, Commercial-road , Surry .
MILWARD, EDWARD , Esq. Mayor of Hastings.
MILWARD, Mrs. Hastings.
MILWARD, Miss, Ditto .
MILWARD, Miss F. Ditto .
MINNEY, Mr. J. Lark - Hall, Clapham ,
MONTGOMERY, Lady, Beauport.
MOSS, Mr. H. Camberwell.
MYTTON, Miss, Shipton Hall, Salop.
N.
NEWMAN, H. Esq. Gloucester-place, Walworth.
NEWNHAM , the Rev. F. Hastings.
NEWNHAM, Mrs. Ditto.
NICHOLLS, John, Esq. F.A.S. Highbury-place.
NICHOLLS, T. B. Esq. F. A.S. Parliament-street.
NORTH , FREDERICK, Esq. Hastings.
O.
OFFLEY, W. Esq. Hastings.
P.
PARKER, T. H. Esq. Park Hall, Staffordshire.
POWELL, Mr. P. M. Hastings Library.
PROCTOR, N. Esq. Rye.
R.
RANSOM, Mr. W. Hastings.
RICHARDS, Miss C. Ditto.
ROBERTS, WILLIAM, Esq. Beach Field, Bromley.
ROBINS & Sons, Messrs. Tooley-street, Southwark.
RUTTER, Mr. John, Bookseller, Shaftesbury.
S.
SARGENT, Mr. Hastings.
SATTERLEY, WILLIAM , Esq. Marine Parade, Ditto.
SAYER, EDWARD, Esq. Ditto .
SCRIVENS, WILLIAM , Esq. Ditto.
SEARLES, Robert, Esq. Kent-road .
SHADWELL, William Lucas, Esq. Hastings.
SHAKESPEAR, the Rev. ARTHUR WILLIAM , Guestling.
SHORTER, JOHN G. Esq. Hastings.
SHORTER, Mr. J. G. Jun. Ditto.
SLATER, Matthew, Esq. Tooting, Surry.
SMITH, Mr. John, Hastings.
STENT, WILLIAM, Esq. Tillington, Sussex.
STEWART, G. W.J. Esq. Audit-office, Somerset-place.
STILEMAN, RICHARD, Esq. Friars, Winchelsea.
STONESTREET, the Rev. G. G. Hastings.
STOW , Daniel, Esq. Dulwich.
SUMMURSUM, Miss, Grove-House, Highgate.
T.
TAYLOR, GEORGE, Esq. Hastings.
THOMPSON, Miss, Ditto.
THORPE, WILLIAM, Esq. Ditto.
TOMPSETT, John, Esq. Town-Clerk of Ditto.
TOTTY, the Rev. Hugh, D.D. Etchingham.
TYRRELL, John, Esq. Lincoln's Inn.
V.
VANDERGUTCH , B. Esq. Gower -street.
VANDES, Le Comte de, Lower Brook-street
W.
WALLIS , Mr. R. Holloway.
WARD, Mr. H. N. Ridge, near Hastings.
WATMORE, Robert, Esq. Lambeth.
WATSON, W. Esq. Highgate.
WATTS, Robert, Esq. Hampstead .
WEST, Mr. G. Post-Office, Hastings.
WESTON, Mr. Ditto.
WHITE , Mr. Hackney-road .
WHITEAR, the Rev. WILLIAM, Starston, Norfolk .
WILKINSON, Mr. Castle-street, Holborn.
WILLIAMS, Mr. H. N. Hastings.
WOODCOCK, BROOK, Esq. Walworth.
PREFACE.
The study of history has ever been considered , among enlightened nations, as constituting an essential part of the education of the higher orders, and a necessary appendage to the acquirements of the scholar and the gentleman. It is, as an elegant writer has observed , "Philosophy teaching wisdom by example ;" the groundwork of all that is lofty in sentiment and noble in human action ; at once an antidote to vice, and the mirror and incitement to virtue.
The observations, which apply generally to the transactions of men and of countries, apply no less forcibly to the study of local history and antiquities, which grow , as it were, out of them ; whence, the learned editor of Leland's Collectanea, speaking of the English nation, says, "the study of our national antiquities is a subject so noble in itself, and of such extraordinary use and advantage, that it may and ought to be thought strange that it has not been more cultivated and encouraged ;" and adds, that the Greeks and Romans looked upon those amongst them as the best scholars, who were versed in their own antiquities.
Impelled by these considerations, I have been induced to attempt the publication of the present work ; the design and execution of which arose out of some occasional visits I made to Hastings a few years since, on account of ill health. The town, and its neighbourhood, appeared to me to be rich and fruitful in sources of historical and antiquarian interest and inquiry ; whilst the memorable actions of former days, of which it had been the scene, seemed to give a sort of classic importance to its ground.
Its ruined castle and venerable churches, together with the beau[ xx ]tiful and picturesque scenery around it, all presented subjects well deserving both of historical and graphic description , though, heretofore, for the most part, unnoticed and untouched. For the little that has appeared respecting a place so worthy of notice, may be said to have been given in the short and trivial mention made of it in " Guides ; " which not only want the consequence of regular connected histories, but are materially deficient in embellishment, both as regards the choice of subjects and fidelity of representation. The Guides to watering -places are, in general , trifling. They neither contain , nor indeed are expected to contain, any thing beyond subjects of mere fashionable or domestic information , such as rides, walks, libraries, public exhibitions, and amusements, with other minor details; which , though unquestionably pleasing as well as useful to the visitants, are still in themselves, as to subject, insignificant and uninteresting. From this remark, it is but justice to except the work, called " The Guide to HASTINGS," published a few years since ; which possesses, in style, matter, and arrangement, every claim to be regarded as of a superior order to the generality of these productions.
To supply the want of authentic and correct views, with a slight descriptive account, was all I originally intended ; but finding, on issuing a prospectus, my design highly supported, I was induced, from a grateful sense of such patronage, to make the work as complete as possible, though, in doing so, I have very materially augmented my expenses, particularly in giving six plates more than mentioned in the first prospectus, without making any additional charge; and in this, and other points respecting the execution of the work , have spared neither pains nor expense to render it as worthy of my subscribers as their encouragement of me deserves.
In the manner of arranging and classifying the different portions of the history, it appeared the best mode of rendering the several subjects mentioned, perspicuous, was to treat of them separately. In doing this , it is hoped what is recorded will be found free from [ xxi ]all anachronisms . This it has been my particular study to avoid, convinced that a strict adherence to chronological order is as essential to the composition of history, as , according to the rules of criticism , is the preservation of the unities to the Drama.
Both in the above, as well as the descriptive parts of the volume, the materials have been drawn from the first and most authentic sources, both printed and manuscript ; the communications respecting which , are acknowledged in the notes. How far the task, which has fallen to my lot, has been executed successfully, my friends and the public will determine. It was my wish that the peculiar feeling of the artist should in this, as in the embellishments, constitute a predominant feature of the work , but, being prevented from entirely superintending it myself, by my engagements, I was obliged to avail myself of assistance . This has been cheerfully rendered me by my friends ; and it here becomes a duty incumbent on me to avail myself of the grateful pleasure of ex pressing the obligations I owe to them on this account.
For access to the archives and records of Hastings, I am highly indebted to the liberality of its worthy and respectable MAYOR and CORPORATION.
To the following gentlemen individually, I beg leave also to return my grateful acknowledgments.
To EDWARD MILWARD, Esq. WILLIAM Lucas SHADWELL, and John George SHORTER , Esquires, for many valuable hints and communications, as well as for the most friendly attention to me, personally.
To FRANCIS FREELING , Esq. F.A.S. , JOHN CALEY, Esq .F.A.S. and F.R.S., FREDERICK HOLBROOKE, Esq. F.A.S. , and JOSEPH KAY, Esq., I have to return my best thanks, for the polite and friendly attention to the interests of the work, as well as of several valuable communications and suggestions . Nor, in this place, must I forget to mention, with gratitude, though now no more, the late highly respected and venerable BISHOP OF CHICHESTER , whose polite and amiable condescension in furnishing me with information on points connected with the free chapel, and the [ xxii ]priory of HASTINGS ; as well as the anxiety he manifested to favour and promote the interests of the work , will ever live in my remembrance. My feelings would prompt me to speak in praise of this most excellent prelate, as well as refined scholar and gentleman ; but the amiability of his character is too well known to need my eulogium.
In acknowledging the receipt of information and assistance, I have to return my thanks for the indefatigable labours of EDWARD GREEN , Esq., who has throughout the progress of the work rendered me the most important aid , not only by attending the different libraries to make researches, but in visiting the town of HASTINGS itself, as well as correcting the sheets for the press ; and without whose kind coadjutorship I should , probably, never have under taken the task . On all these accounts I feel it but an act of duty thus publicly to return my sincerest thanks to him, as well as generally, for the friendly regard he has uniformly taken in the interest and success of the work.
To the royal and noble personages, and the numerous friends, who have honoured this volume by their names and patronage, I beg leave, in an especial manner, to offer my tribute of respectful gratitude; for it is to their kind encouragement and protection of it, that I am , in a very principal degree, indebted for its publication.
In conclusion. - Whilst aware that I ought rather to deprecate the severity of criticism, than court and expect its praise, I cherish the humble hope that the work will not, in its details, be found wholly destitute of local interest, at least, however it may be defective in the manner of narrating them . The graces of language and composition have not been within my reach, nor have I aimed at affecting them . Historical detail wants but little of the ornaments and embellishments of fancy. I have been solely solicitous of sending forth my book as clear and perspicuous as possible, conceiving that style of writing to be the best, which is the simplest and the most generally intelligible.
Kennington , July 1824.
[ - ]
THE
History and Antiquities
OF THE
TOWN AND PORT
of
HASTINGS,
SUSSEX.
HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
OF THE
Town and Port
or
HASTINGS.
CHAPTER I.
Every enquiry concerning Hastings and its vicinity, as connected with the history and antiquities of the island, must be alike interesting to the historian, the antiquary, and the man of letters. It has claims to peculiar notice as the scene of that memorable contest, which changed the destinies, as it were, of the nation, by annihilating the Saxon dynasty, and substituting that of the Norman in its stead.
How far in the progress of society, and the course of human actions and events, such change may have operated immediately or remotely on the national interests of the country, and the habits and genius of the people, by deteriorating or improving its laws, by retarding the progress of civilization, or by advancing it, are questions more fitted for the politician and the moral philosopher to consider and decide upon.
In a topographical work of this kind, it may be deemed. to be a more clear and lucid arrangement of its subject to divide and classify it under the three historical heads of [ 2 ]civil, military, and ecclesiastical, and to treat of each of these, separately and distinctly.
From the earliest records of the island, previous to its conquest by the Romans, there is sufficient to prove the antiquity of its existence, and to shew that some parts of the coast held a sort of commercial intercourse, at a very remote period, with distant nations. The very etymology of the island itself is traced, by some authorities, to the tin which some parts of it contained, and which is said to have formed an important branch of its barter and traffic with the Phoenicians. The same spirit of commerce might have extended from the extremity of the western to that of the eastern shores of the island, bringing with it those first seeds and sources of civilization among the more barbarous, from their intercourse with more polished nations. May we not infer this of the very part of our island we are speaking of, and suppose, that the manners and habits of the men of Kent and Sussex gave them , from these causes, a superiority to others of the Aborigines of Britain ? In the Commentaries of Caesar, the inhabitants of this part of the coast are highly panegyrized by the pen of that elegant historian, to which the following very classical allusion is made by our Shakspeare, in a passage, in one of his finest historical plays, where he says Kent, in the Commentaries Caesar writ, Is term'd the civil'st place of all this isle ; Sweet is the country, because full of riches, The people liberal, valiant, active, wealthy . "
The inhabitants of this so contiguous part of the Sussex coast, have a fair claim to be considered as included in the eulogium . We may be here furnished with a clue to guide us through the dark regions and uncertainties of conjecture, as to the primitive manners, habits, and genius of these Aborigines of our isle, and thereby trace by what progressive steps, and from what causes, the Havens, since termed Cinque Ports, have improved and first risen to local and national importance. Their consequence as commercial ports is, however, at this time trifling, falling far short of what it must have been some centuries ago, and eclipsed as it [ 3 ]now is by so many others, which, in those remoter periods, were themselves comparatively insignificant, if not unknown. Hastings, the principal of the Cinque Ports, is the chief town of the rape which takes its name from it. It is situated upon the sea- coast, near the eastern extremity of Sussex, in 50° 34' N. Lat. and 0° 37' E. Long .; distant from London sixty - four miles.
This rape lies on the east side of the county, encompassed on the east and south by the sea ; is bounded by the rape of Pevensey on the west, and by the county of Kent to the north. It contains thirteen hundreds, comprising together forty sub-divisions, or parishes. The names of the hundreds are as follow ; viz.: Goldspur, Staple, Shoyswell, Henhurst, Hawksborough, Netherfield, Foxearle, Battel, Baldslow , Gostrow, Nenfield, Guestling, and Bexhill.
The word Rape, according to respectable authorities on the subject, is a corruption of the Latin word ripa, a bank or shore, and is a term peculiar to the county of Sussex. Its application here, if this etymology be correct, may be deemed perfectly just and appropriate, from the contiguity of the lands it comprises to the sea -shore, and to which the inhabitants of the different parts of it would naturally assign the additional denominations of the different places where they applied it. Thus, the ports or harbours of Chichester, Arundel, Bramber, Lewes, Pevensey, and Hastings, have severally given names to their respective shores or rapes; and the names became extended to so much of the inland county as lay within each shore.
The whole of the rape[1] of Hastings, with the manor, was held by the earls of Eu, a Norman family, descended from a natural son of Richard Duke of Normandy. Robert, the first earl, to whom it was given, was one of the Conqueror's chief counsellors, and had many other large estates, settled on him by William. In the year 1069, A.R. 3d of William I.2, Humphrey de Tilleul was governor of Hastings; but, on his refusing to stay in England, when the king stood in most need of his [ 4 ]services, that prince so much resented his conduct, as to confiscate bis estate ; nor could he be prevailed with to restore the lost honors to his heirs. Yet, it appears, from the same notice,[2] that " Robert de Roclint, son of Humphrey de Tilleul, one of the sons of Anfrid the Dane, was governor of the fortress the Conqueror erected at Hastings."
These possessions appear to have continued in the family of the Earls of Eu, until the 29th of Henry III., when William of Eu, adhering to the King of France,[3] they became forfeited to the crown, and were given by Henry to his son Edward I.
The antiquity of Hastings is traced, by various authorities, to a very remote period. The county of Sussex, it is said, belonged to the principality of Regni; and, during the Roman government, was included in their province of Britannia Prima. From its contiguity to the part of Kent where Julius Caesar first landed , in his invasion of Britain, it must, we may presume, have been among the first parts of his conquests in the island . Its boundaries were extensive; to the south extending to the channel, and northward to the Thames and Severn . The Roman name of Hastings is stated, by the Editor of Mag. Brit. page 498, to have been Anderida ; but from what authority it does not appear.
Hastings, called by the Saxons Hastinga, derives its etymology, according to. Camden , of high authority in matter of antiquarian research and enquiry, from a Danish pirate of the name of Hasting, who, it is stated, built small fortresses at the points where he landed for plunder. This pirate seems to have carried his predatory excursions to the coasts of Essex and Kent, where he is stated to have built also several small fortresses.
Its antiquity may be likewise inferred from its having been a place of importance as far back as in the Saxon Heptarchy, when Sussex belonged to the kingdom of the South Saxons, and was established, as such, A.D. 491. In the 31st of the reign of Ofa, A. D. 792, Berodaldus, one of
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