modest and unassuming manners, and he died thoroughly respected by everyone.
Mr. Collier lived in Old Hastings House (although he did not build it), at the North End of High Street, for many years, and which, after his death, was occupied by his widow until her death, then by his son-in-law, Mr. Edward Milward, the elder, after him by his son, Edward Milward, the younger, and after him by his widow, who, after his death, married William, eighth Earl of Waldegrave, but still continued to reside in the house, and surviving her second husband, died there on the 18th of April, 1873. This lady will be remembered by many still living as a great benefactor to Hastings, one of her acts being the gift of sufficient land to the Hastings Corporation to widen and make the present Queen's Road from the Gas Company's Offices to the old railway viaduct (or tunnel) instead of going through what is now the bottom of Stonefield Road; and also the handsome Drinking Fountain in Robertson Street. After her death, Old Hastings House was for many years let to Mr. Coventry Patmore, the poet. Afterwards it was occupied by the present owner, Mrs. W. C. Sayer-Milward.
In Mr. Collier's time it does not appear to have been called by any particular name letters being addressed to him in the old style : "at his house in Hasting." In the time of Mr. Edward Milward the younger, and his widow, and perhaps that of his father also, it was known as "The Mansion," but the owner, disliking the pretentious sound of the name, has changed it to "Old Hastings House."
Mr. Collier's Courtship. -- The "Collier Letters" open with one dated May 3rd, 17 16, from Mr. Collier at Hastings to Miss Mary Cranston, during their engagement, couched in affectionate terms, and the spelling is in the peculiar style of the period. The letters include those of other members of the family, and in one of this date the Rev. James Cranston, in writing to his - daughter, Mary, recites that "Mr. Collier is busy repairing his house, and I am no less busy this day in setting up my Furnace, and mending my old Brewhouse walls, so that you will see great alterations at your return."
Ordering the Trousseau. -- 11th July, 1717 Mr. Collier, from London, to Miss Cranston, Hastings. "I can now acquaint you of my haveing bought your cloathes, and flatter myselfe, Dear Misse will not think I have a dull fancy, for without vanity I think it very rich and handsom, there's 27 yds. at 11s. a yard the lineing is not soe light a blew as you directed, but I was advis'd to have it somewhat stronger coulour, as being much more fashionable ye Other Suite psues your Command, ye edging to match ye headdress they tell me must be 6 yds., and it is 9s. a yard, not set on fine musling, but fine Lawne, as is the head, being what they tell me is the fashion, and plaine white Ribbon and Girdle is what must be had. I this day bought the Sacred Pledge mark'd E.M.C. Your -
