HIGH STREET.
The principal thoroughfare of Old Hastings, High Street (sometimes referred to as Market Street, by reason of the Market being formerly held at the North end), will now claim attention. Like All Saints Street, the West side being built on the side of the hill, the early builders found it necessary " to put the houses on a shelf " or high pavement.
Humphrey Wickham's Butcher's Shop.
This is a fair specimen of the style of House in High Street in the 16th and 17th centuries. It stood until about 1840, when it was removed to make a better approach to St. Clement's Church. The money for the purpose was raised by public subscription. Humphrey Wickham occupied it as a Butcher's Shop, seen in the view. High Wickham derived its name from him, he having farmed the adjoining land and built several of the houses there.
At the South corner, opposite Wickham's house, was the famous Swan Inn.
The Old Swan Hotel, High Street.
This old hostelry for centuries played such a prominent part in the life of Hastings that more than a passing note is necessary here. It stood upon nearly an acre of ground, and occupied the site now represented by the London Distillery, and Nos. 64c, d, and e, High Street, Swan Terrace, Swan Avenue, and part of Hill Street. It contained 42 bedrooms, a very fine Assembly Room, with music gallery, a spacious market or dining room, a suite of reception rooms, bar, and other offices, a large Court Yard, range of stabling and coach houses, a brewery, and shades or tap. The archway shewn in the view led to the courtyard, with an entrance from Hill Street (or Cornhill as, it was formerly called). In olden times many Innkeepers brewed their beer. It was purchased in 1889 by a local firm of builders, who demolished it, and covered the site with a modern Public House and the other buildings above mentioned. The Swan Inn was the oldest one in the town, so far as can be ascertained, the Crown Inn, All Saints' Street, running it very closely. As a proof of its age, Brett, in searching the Registers of St. Clement's Church, found the following entry :
" March 28th, 1609, there was buried in St. Clement's Churchyard, One John, Oastler at the Swan," shewing a history of over three centuries. In the deeds of the property the title is said to commence with 1722, and the first recorded owner or occupier was one Katherine Stevens. Then by a family named Richardson. In 1726 by a Mrs. Grove, who took in a partner named Richard Halsted, and afterwards married him. Richard Halsted died, the widow still carrying it on. In 1747, the following notice was posted :-
