Hastings Sussex Historic Hastings is situated on the south east coast of England between Eastbourne and Dover. It is most famously linked with the Battle of Hastings in 1066, that most well known of British history dates instilled into every child at school. The battle itself however, actually took place at the aptly named town of Battle, six miles north of Hastings where William the Conqueror finally defeated the Saxon King Harold and his army in the last successful invasion of the country. William the Conqueror also ordered the building of Hastings Castle, the remains of which can still be seen today. Hastings was important as one of the country’s Cinque Ports, that were five main ports around the south coast designated with the task of protecting the coast from any sea borne form of attack before the introduction of the Royal Navy who then took over this important role. During the 19th century Hastings was rife with smugglers and a pretty dangerous place to be. The high sandstone cliffs with their intricate network of caves made the perfect hiding place for any loot the smugglers brought onto Hastings’ shore. The Victorians then made Hastings a respectable and thriving seaside resort, but since this heyday it has become at little downtrodden and the once glorious pier clearly illustrates how Hastings has seen better days. However, the Rock-a-Nore area of the seafront still has plenty to attract visitors with its East Hill Cliff Railway, which is Britain’s steepest funicular railway, along with plenty of modern amusements and the attraction of the beach itself. Likewise Hastings Old Town has a wealth of timbered Tudor houses and narrow streets giving you an insight into the past. The town is also well respected for its abundance of antique shops that are well worth a look, even if you are only window-shopping.