widow died in 1865, aged 88. Their descendants of the third generation, whose business frequently called them to England, used to visit Hastings, where their grandfather spent many years of his early life. His library was well patronized by the upper classes who visited Hastings for health and pleasure.
Both Barry and Powell provided Musical Entertainments at their respective Libraries during the Season, and the Town Band and Military Bands from the Barracks played on the Parade in the summer season.
James Barry, The Marine Library, Marine Parade, near the Baths, also a Bookseller, Stationer, Pianoforte Dealer, and Fancy Warehouseman, facing the Swan Inn, High Street, was a man of indomitable energy and public spirit. He having purchased Stell's
(Copy of a drawing by S. H. Grimm, in the British Museum.) This old Bathing House was the property of Mr. Edward Milward.
Library and the copyright of his Guide to Hastings, first published in 1794, Barry published a new and enlarged edition in 1797, and several editions followed this at intervals. He was also the proprietor of Warm Baths which stood on the Parade near the Russian Gun. In 1812 Barry was the prime mover in collecting subscriptions of about £1,300 for extending the Marine Parade from his library at the West end of George Street, to the West end of Pelham Place, which was accomplished some eight years afterwards. Visitors were then steadily increasing and were of a well-to-do class.
