Castle Hotel

General information
	1820-1967
	Wellington Square
Location	Loading map...;

This hotel at the bottom corner of Wellington Square, built on the site of a former thatched house that had been used as a gin house in 1818^[1] was described by Ross in 1845 as being a well known old establishment, with comfortable and snug apartments^[2]. The hotel was the first major hotel to open in the 'new town' of Hastings as growth stretched westward from George Street

Facilities[edit]

The hotel had assembly, smoking, coffee, billiard and many other rooms whilst in the hands of Mr W. Pawley according to Whiteman's guide^[3] and operated what could be described as a tourist information facility when in the hands of James Emary who had moved from the Swan Hotel between 1831 and 1835. The hotel was designated as a 'coach stop' replete with coach-houses and stabling that had coaches bound to and from Brighton and London. Emary's daughter Frances had a brief spell as proprietor during 1858 when it was known as the "Castle Hotel and Posting House".

Concert Hall[edit]

In December of 1858, construction of a concert and assembly room measuring 55 by 25 ft., with a ceiling height of 20 feet commenced. The owner at the time, James Emary, also put in place plans to alter the front by changing the bow windows to cant windows according to plans drawn up by Mr. Henry Carpenter, architect. The concert room was possibly aimed as competition for the new Music Hall that had advertised for share capital in the early part of that year with the plans being drawn up by the same architect and would, following construction, be leased to Messrs. Lockey and Lindridge^[4].

In 1866, the lease and posession of the hotel was offered at auction. The building was described as follows: "Situate in WELLINGTON SQUARE, HASTINGS; for up-wards of 50 years in the hands of the Emary family and in one of the very best situations in this favorite watering place, and in close proximity to the Sea and the Railway Termini. The Property is very exten-sive, comprising amongst many other advantages upwards of Thirty Bedchambers, Ten Sitting-rooms, a well-placed and well-frequented Billiard-room, a noble and well-proportioned Assembly-room 55ft by 25ft., a large Livery and Posting Yard, where for many years has been established a most valuable business; the whole forming a most compact and valuable property, where an extensive trade has hitherto been carried on."^[5]

At the time of the 1871 Census taken in March of that year, Maria E. Lock, a 47 year old widow, was listed as the manager with 8 guests and thirteen live-in staff under the roof.

The hotel was demolished around 1968 for the construction of a supermarket on the site.

ImagesPlanning Applications

Images[edit]

Images
Page204-Castle Hotel - Bohemia House can be seen in the background c1816-Hastings of Bygone Days and the Present
Wellington-Square.-1830
Water-cart-at-Wellington-Square-1830.
Castle Hotel business card c1835
Wellington-Square-1860.
The Castle Hotel, Wellington Square
Wellington-Square.-1902.
Wellington-Square.-1905.
A-new-wave-of-soldiers-ready-for-the-off-at-Wellington-Square-1915.
Page205-Wellington Square 1920-Hastings of Bygone Days and the Present
Castle Hotel c1950
CastleBallroom c1960
HS 71 00030--497632
Wellington Square, Hastings