The panorama of Hastings and St. Leonards should be followed from right to left, beginning at the East Cliff to West Marina. It was published by Mr. Thomas Ross, 6, Castle Street, Hastings, about 1837. Drawn by C. Burton, Strand, London, and will be interesting as shewing the developments of Hastings and St. Leonards during the early part of the 19th century, with parts not then built upon (see pages 222-3).
.png){kind=tracking}
Probably the coach is leaving Hastings for Brighton. The Meadows in the foreground are the Priory Meadows, and part of the present Cricket Ground, Havelock Road, etc., and the street represents York Buildings, with East side of Wellington Square.
Many present inhabitants will remember Rock Fair (see page 224). It is mentioned in the " Collier Letters," where Miss Sarah Collier writes from school to her mother:
Dear Mama.
I received your agreeable letter yesterday, and think Harriot intends to make long holidays and is willing to stay with you as long as she can. Rock Fare is a very good excuse."
This letter is dated 10th July, 1753. Mr. Sayer, the Editor adds a footnote that Rock Fair was held on the Priory Ground. Here, on the 26th and 27th of July, was held a pleasure and business fair. It was attended by rich and poor, who extracted much fun out of the proceedings ; the circus and booths will be seen. The temporary erection is the Hustings, and no doubt at the time the picture was taken the August election of 1847 was close at hand. The contending parties occupied the end
