Hastings, according to Camden, derives its name from a noted Danish pirate who landed here, and built a small fort, in order to protect his men, and secure a retreat, after pillaging the country around. It is pleasantly situated in a valley, surrounded on all sides but the south with high cliffs and hills, which protect it from the cold winds, and render it one of the most; healthy towns in the whole island.
Here is a fine beach, and the purest water for bathing of any along the coast; for which purpose, great numbers of the gentry have of late years resorted from London and the neighbouring country, during the summer season.
The town of Hastings may boast as great antiquity as any place in the kingdom. In the reign of Athelstan there was a mint here, by which it must then have long been in a flourishing condition.
William Rufus, on the death of his father the Conqueror, got possession of the Castles
