Priory Farm

The Priory Farm was roughly centred on what is Cambridge Gardens and up to around the early 1800s was believed to have a few 'ancient' walls that were supposed to be from the Augustinian Priory of the Holy Trinity. Cousins mentions a tenant named Mr Ford in his book.^[1]

Part of the supposition that the walls were part of the priory originated in the detail noted by Brett that the walls were oriented almost perfectly E-W, such that the roof-line could be utilised as a primitive sundial.^[2]

The farmhouse itself was located approximately on the junction on Cambridge Road and Cambridge Gardens, being described by Brett as a white weather-boarded cottage with climbing roses and creepers on the woodwork between doors and windows. The cottage faced east and was fronted by flower gardens and a white picket fence.^[3]

The farm featured a water-wheel over the Priory Stream and water storage tank situated near what is now the end of Havelock Road which were removed for the construction of the aforementioned road, it being the main approach to Hastings Railway Station^[4] Part of the farm formed the northern bounds of, and was a part of the Cornwallis estate. The farm buildings were demolished circa 1878 for the construction of Cornwallis Gardens, Cornwallis Terrace, Holmesdale Gardens, and Cambridge Gardens.

Images[edit]

Images
Page201-Hastings Castle from Priory Farm - 1790 - Hastings of Bygone Days and the Present
Page203-Hastings Castle from the Priory-Hastings of Bygone Days and the Present
Priory Farm c1820
Priory Farm 1820
Page229-856px-Hastings of Bygone Days and the Present.pdf.jpg (JPEG Image 856 × 1537 pixels)
Priory Bridge and Farm (Rouse)
Hastings Station Map 1873