THE RISE OF HASTINGS AS A HEALTH RESORT FORESHADOWED.
It would seem evident on reference to the interesting "Collier Letters" that even in 1735, the far-seeing Mr. John Collier had visions of the possibilities of Hastings as a health resort, when he sought to tap the Bourne Stream for an improved water supply.
The town had been lighted with oil lamps, and some of the streets paved. Coaches to and from London were running twice a week. Then, in 1760, an article appeared in the "Universal Magazine," speaking highly of its advantages as a health and pleasure resort, stating there were several good families staying there ; of the advantages offered by the Swan Inn, that there was a pretty good choice of lodgings, and an especial eulogy of its beautiful surroundings ; and that its sheltered aspect was well adapted both in summer and winter for the habitation of those " disposed to pulmonary consumptions ;" and of the discovery of several springs strongly impregnated with steel. In fact, the article deals with the advantages of Hastings in such a manner as would be a credit to a Borough Association Guide in 1920.
General Murray's letter of September 11th, 1768 (p. 71), where he mentions an offer of £1,000 for " the stables and little low gardens, belonging to " Old Hastings House " on the opposite side of the street (now used as a Motor Garage) by a set of gentlemen who have entered into a subscription to make Hastings a Bathing Place, and think the stables necessary for an Assembly Room." It was apparent that these gentlemen had the intention of exploiting the place, although this " deal " did not go through.
The late Dr. W. A. Greenhill, M.D., who compiled a population table of Hastings, gives the number of inhabitants in 1731 as only 1,636. In 1771, 2,017. While in 1801 it had increased to 3,175. The reader must bear in mind that up to this date the accommodation for visitors was provided by the principal Inns, and lodgings were let by the trading and middle classes in High Street, Hill Street, All Saints' Street, Tackleway, and George Street. The Bourne Stream practically divided the town into two parts, and gardens on the east side from All Saints' Street, and on the west from High Street, ran down to the stream ; and as the visitors increased in numbers, these gardens had to be utilised for building purposes until the Bourne Valley became thickly populated, and thus the intervening passages leading from these streets were constructed for approaches to the houses at the back.
Hastings was as early as 1778 a Military Station, with an encampment on Fairlight Down, and as the 19th century was opening a considerable body of troops was stationed at Hastings, Battle, Bexhill, and Fairlight.
The accompanying maps of Hastings, 1746 and 1815, represent the transition periods when the town, after having been " famous -
