Hastings

Mention Hastings and the first thing that comes to mind is 1066 and the last successful invasion of Britain.

The Battle of Hastings took place a few miles from the town and the invading army, led by William the Conqueror, came ashore at nearby Pevensey Bay to change the course of English history.

As one of the original Cinque Ports, Hastings later played an important role in the country's defences. In exchange for certain privileges, the ports had to provide ships and sailors to protect the coast from invasion.

The town became a prosperous fishing port with a thriving smuggling operation running in the background.

During the 19th and 20th Centuries, Hastings became a popular seaside resort, with a pier, concert hall and theatre. It was considered less vulgar than Brighton and smarter than Eastbourne. It was in Hastings that television inventor John Logie Baird lived when he was developing the technology that went on to change the world.

But the town went into decline during the Seventies and became an unemployment blackspot.

Now, nearly 1,000 years after the invasion, Hastings has benefitted from investment and redevelopment and has become a property "hot spot" as its more affordable prices attract people from other parts of the county.

It has good rail and road links with other parts of Sussex and London and, after a number of years in the economic doldrums, has a diverse economy and a rosy outlook.

The town's rich history is evident from its castle, caves, East Hill Lift, the pier and its wealth of unusual architecture.

The site of the famous battle at nearby Battle is an important tourist destination and so are the historic towns of Rye and Winchelsea.

The area is generally known as 1066 Country.

Although buildings in the Old Town date back to Tudor times, much of the town centre architecture is Victorian and Edwardian, with more modern homes on the outskirts.

In the town centre is the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, a modern shopping mall surrounded by many more traditional shops.

There are a number of parks in the town and the beach is popular with people of all ages..

Schools
All Saints CofE Junior School, Githa Road, 01424 421297.
Christ Church CofE Primary School, Woodland Vale Road, 01424 422953.
Dudley Infant School, Harold Road, Tel: 01424 422981.
Elphinstone Community School, Parker Road, 01424 425670.
Guestling-Bradshaw CofE Primary School, Guestling, 01424 812279.
Hollington Primary School, Hollington Old Lane, 01424 851783.
Little Ridge Community Primary School, Little Ridge Avenue, 01424 752266.
Red Lake Community Primary School, Rye Road, 01424 422979.
Robsack Wood Community Primary School, Whatlington Way, 01424 853521.
Sacred Heart Primary School, Old London Road, 01424 429494.
St Leonards CofE Primary School, Collinswood Drive, 01424 422950.
St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Magdalen Road, 01424 427801.
William Parker School, Parkstone Road, 01424 439888.