Pelham Arcade, the site of which was cut out of the Rock, and formerly a stonemason's yard, was part of the Earl of Chichester's scheme, already referred to, designed by Mr. Kay. It was a fashionable rendezvous, where Musical Soirees were held nightly, a Bazaar, and fitted up with two rows of shops with a glass roof.
A visitor writing from Hastings to his friend in London a series of letters " From a Cosmopolite to a Valetudinarian," published by Wooll, 5, High Street, Hastings, about 1825, describes his visit here thus : " When near the end of the Parade we heard some music which proceeded from the Bazaar. We joined the circle that was walking round, while others sat and enjoyed the music. A young lady from the Theatre Royal sang an old song, which was received with applause and encored. We next joined in a game with cards, paid a shilling each, when the cards were dealt out, and whoever got the knave of clubs had a prize.
We next went to the Library (Barry's) and heard a duetto from two young ladies. There were several billiard tables here." The Pelham Arcade was leased to a family named Moor, who held it about 70 years. The property was put up to auction a few months ago.
Above the Arcade is the Church of St. Mary-in-the-Castle, consecrated in 1828. It was built by the Earl of Chichester, the possessor of the Castle and Manor. The first stone was laid by the Countess of Chichester in 1825. It was consecrated by Dr. Carr, Bishop of Chichester. The Church is of a semi-circular form, with a gallery, and has seating accommodation for about 1,300, it is raised considerably above the roadway, having the Castle Cliff, which was cut away for the purpose, at its back. The first Incumbent was the Rev. W. Wallinger in 1828, who lived at Castle Down House in Wallinger's Walk, named after him.
Then, by a strange coincidence, the next Incumbent was named Rev. W. T. Marychurch, 1834; the Rev J. S. Jenkinson, 1835, followed by that famous preacher, the Rev. Thomas Vores, 1841 to 1875, then by the Rev. F. Whitfield, then Rev. W. T. H. Wilson. The present Minister is the Rev. R. Talbot.
Just opposite Pelham Crescent was the bed of an old harbour and a place called the "Condemned Hole," in which smuggling craft were placed and destroyed when taken by the Crown. The next view shows the former site of this.
The original of the view on page 191 is dated January 1st, 1822, published for "R. Ackerman's Views of Hastings." This is two years anterior to Moss's view, and is proof of the fact already stated that Pelham Place and Crescent took a long time to build. The first seven houses in Pelham Place in this view are shown in Moss's History, 1824, therefore two years elapsed without a move being made in this locality.
Breeds Place next claims attention. It consists of 10 houses. These were built by Mr. James Lansdell, a builder from Battle, who -
