About Hastings

St Leonards as a residential area did not exist until James Burton began to build New Hastings in 1820. He dreamed of a high class district with a genteel atmosphere, removed from the bustle of the fishing quarter.

Burton designed many buildings including the Tudor-style house in Maze Hill which incorporates the habitable archway, which spans the public road. The writer Rider Haggard used this room as a study in 1918, and remained here till 1923.

The most striking 20th century building on St Leonards seafront is Marine Court, constructed in 1937.

Sometimes called the Queen Mary it resembles the superstructure of an ocean going liner. Denounced as cultural vandalism when built, it is now a listed building. The three mile promenade links St Leonards to Hastings and includes Marina Pavilion and bottle alley, St Leonards also has several beautiful public gardens.

Most notably in St Leonard's Gardens with its clock
house directly facing the sea are Warrior Square
Gardens with a statue of Queen Victoria to commemorate
her visit to the town as a young girl.