The America Ground

I noticed the image above on the Hastings and Area, Past and Present facebook page today, which is the anniversary of a great storm (4th February 1287) that not only helped to alter the coastline of South East England with many coastal towns, like Rye, becoming landlocked, but also damaged the West Hill cliff with much of Hastings Castle falling into the sea. But, of course, earlier storms that century had also helped to create, what was to become, The America Ground in Hastings, and I noticed that, despite referring to The America Ground quite a few times, I have never written about why it is called "The America Ground" or its history, so here goes, briefly...

The great storms of the 13th century deposited a vast bank of shingle to the west of Hastings Harbour, beginning the end to the harbour in central Hastings (over which the Castle had towered), this area became new land which people quickly moved on to, living and working there. By the 1820s The America Ground was inhabited by over 1,000 people, rent, tax and rates free as no-one owned the land. Hastings Council tried to tax the residents living there, who subsequently rebelled, raising the flag of the USA and declaring the area an American State! However, this wasn't tolerated for long by the authorities and, in December 1827, the Crown claimed legal ownership (1066 online).

The America Ground is now covered by the triangle that is Robertson Street, Trinity Street and Claremont, and towards the sea, including Robertson Passage. Every year now, July the 4th is celebrated here, so watch out for special events coming up in July, including Independents Day, and enjoy the revolutionary spirit!

Yesterday...

Well, it certainly was another beautiful day yesterday! Out in the morning and I'd forgotten to mention yesterday was Independent's Day on the America Ground (website), actually I wasn't aware (so much going on!), apologies for that...

I was heading for Hastings Library in Claremont, but the main focus for Independent's Day was just round the corner by the Library, behind The Printworks at Gotham Alley.

I then headed for the Old Town, passing many people on the way (too early to see what was happening at Pier Jam), and even Hastings Adventure Golf had arranged for music opposite their chip shop! Anyway I took this photograph down Rock-a-Nore Road before heading up All Saints Street to:

The Cinque Ports Arms, where I spent a few hours in pleasant company, then a 'mob' came in to watch the England football match, if you don't know the score you're probably not interested in football, otherwise, yes, I enjoyed it. 😉

On my way back home I passed the Stade Open Space where people were participating in the workshops for Strictly Stade Saturday, oh yes, and plenty of noisy football fans walking along (met Joe who I hadn't seen for a while, good to see you Joe!), in vehicles, sitting outside pubs. Apparently something may be coming home...

Busy, busy, busy, this weekend!

To start with, and it may appear a few days late, but the America Ground features its annual Independents Day today (Saturday 8th July) from 10am, celebrating independent businesses, creativity, thought, music, and art in the area. Head for the America Ground around Robertson Street, Trinity Street and Claremont; see website.

Around the corner, on Hastings Pier, the Pavilion Restaurant reopens today under new management (the Hastings Pier Charity going in-house now), and the extended Summer Opening Times begin too: 10am to 10pm (website). In addition to the usual Pier facilities, promenading, and events, there is also a Classic Car Boot Sale on both weekend days from 10am, with vintage fashion and accessories, homeware, collectables, vinyl records and much more (website).

Meanwhile, back to the old town and the Stade Open Space, and enter the 2017 Midsummer Fish Festival, with music, local wines and ales, cooking demonstrations, and, oh yes, fish! Since losing funding from the European Fisheries Fund a small entry fee is charged, £1 (for the whole weekend) available from the tourist centre at Muriel Matters House, or £2 on the door; under 18s get in free (website).

Meeting at the Fishermen's Museum in Rock-a-Nore Road at 11am both days, and you can take guided walks of the Stade with Old Hastings Preservation Society guides, exploring the Stade Fishing Quarter, and discovering the history of Hastings' sustainable fishing industry; the walks last about 90 minutes (website). Wearing strong shoes is advised as you will be walking on pebbles and uneven ground and, although the walks are free, donations to Hastings Fishermen's Museum are very much welcomed, many thanks! 

Of course there's much more around town, music, food and pubs, museums and parks, and, not to forget, as I wrote yesterday, the last day of the Hastings Beer & Music Festival (website) with its Family Day today. Have fun!