done, but these have been demolished again; so that the fishermen have been obliged to wind up their vessels, and barks by large capstans fixed down to the shore, which costs them considerably. There are two large lights built [one in the Fishmarket and one at the south end of Hill street ] carefully looked after and constantly lighted up in the winter season to direct the fishing vessels. On a high cliff, west of the town, are the remains of a pretty large castle, said to have been built by William the Conqueror, who, when he invaded the kingdom landed at Bulverhythe [Pevensey] in the liberty of Hastings, about three or four miles west of the town, and came next day to Hastings, which surrendered to him, and he stayed there several days, and made some additions to a wooden fort, where he afterwards built his castle, and left a small garrison there; and after his conquest, created a chapel and dedicated to the blessed Virgin, in Bulverhythe [?] the walls of which still remain in ruins. The inhabitants have a tradition that King John resided some time in Hastings Castle. There are two forts on the east and west parts of the town; one has 13 large iron guns, and the other 7. These were of service in the wars with France, but as there is no allowance of stores, the carriages are decayed and the cannon rendered useless. There are two parish churches viz., St. Clement’s and All Saints, both of which are rectories in the gift of Sir Thomas Webster, but being both but poorly endowed, are usually held by one minister. The land tithes of St. Clement’s are about £10 per annum; and All Saints, with St. Mary-in-the-Castle annexed, about £18, as the houses pay no tithes. The rectors receive tithes from the fishing vessels, which are computed to be worth about £50 per annum. Communibus annis. In 1723 St. Clement’s rectory was augmented with £200 of Queen Anne’s bounty. These churches are large, well built and on good repair. St. Clement’s, which is the largest, has three aisles and a handsome Chancel, under which is a vault for a burying place. The whole is covered with slate stones and tiles, and at the west end is an embattled tower, with six bells and a clock. All Saints has likewise three aisles, covered partly with slate stones and tile. The middle aisle roof is lofty and well built, and there is a very curious arch in the belfrey. At the west end is an embattled tower with five bells. This is one of the rural deaneries, and here are rents of about £13 per annum, There were formerly several chapels near the town, which were dedicated to St. Andrew, St. Michael, St. -
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From Historical Hastings
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