church, capable of containing 900 persons. The burial ground is situated on the top of the cliff above the church. Immediately behind is the archery ground, which, being the only one in the neighbourhood, is most fashionably attended.
About a mile beyond St. Leonards is Hastings race course, situated in a valley. The view from the surrounding hills of the races, which take place in September, is excellent .
BULVERHYTHE .
In a field at the back of the public house stand the ruins of a church or chapel, but its name, or by whom built, is not known. Here was a haven called Bollefride, where some writers state that the Conqueror landed.[1]
Farther on is the village of Bexhill, distant from Hastings six miles, and from the sea one. It is most pleasantly situated on a rising hill, commanding most extensive views in every direction. Here are several neat and genteel lodging houses and a good inn. It has also bathing machines for the accommodation of those who may visit this retired village. Seven miles beyond is
PEVENSEY,
which, though now a small village, was formerly a town of great eminence. It gives its name to the adjoining bay, also to the division of the county in which it is situated, called the rape of Pevensey. The sea, -
- ↑ In 1494 , at a meeting of the Cinque-ports, it was decreed that 1s. 8d. was a fair portion for Bulverhythe to contribute towards the purse of the ports. We may suppose that this also included Northye, a place a short distance to the westward, also a member of Hastings, now nearly lost by the encroachments of the sea. The amount of the purse of all the ports and members for the above year, was £4. 7s.
