Ladies Parlour

From Historical Hastings

Ladies Parlour is the name given to the semi grass-banked enclosure to the north-east of Hastings Castle

Archaeology

Some flint implements, bones and shells were found on the southern slope of this area during an archaeological survey by W. J. Lewis Abbott.[1] These were described as containing an abundance of the diminutive forms known as "pigmy implements" - finely chipped pieces between 1-5 centimetres in length and of a characteristic triangular, crescent or rhomboidal form. Baines suggests that these flakes may have been created by a Mesolithic settlement of hunters in the area, being arrow, javelin and spear tips.[2] It is possible that this was a settlement of some importance, the surrounding area being heavily wooded and densely populated during this period.[3]

It would appear from some investigations carried out at Hastings Castle that the parlour served as an outer bailey for the castle with a drawbridge connecting the two over the artificially cut gulley.[4]

Images

References & Notes

  1. Hastings Survey of Times Past and Present (Anthony Belt F.L.S.) 1937 pg.31 ESCC Library
  2. Historic Hastings, J. Manwaring Baines pg. 1 ISBN: 0948869003 ISBN: 9780948869006 Amazon
  3. The Hastings Chronicle: Origins of Hastings – The Hastings Chronicle, accessdate: 22 November 2019
  4. Hastings Castle#Excavations