No. 29. The Castle Mount. Site of the Anglo-Saxon or the earlier Norman Keep. (This Mound is probably that shown in the Bayeaux Tapestry.) By keeping to the right on entering the gate the visitor should have no difficulty, in the absence of a guide, in identifying the portions of the ruins described on these tablets, and will find the pleasure of his visit enhanced by studying them.
No. 30. The outer earthwork, commonly known as "The Lady's Parlour," divided from the Castle Ramparts by the inner Moat, and formerly reached by a bridge over the moat on the North Eastern Side (see No. 28).
A.D. Chief Events in the History of the Castle.
924. Athelstan established a Mint probably Within the Saxon fortress.
1066. Dismantled by Harold.
1066. Restored by William I.
1070. The Collegiate Church in the Castle established by Robert, Count of Eu.
1087-9. William II. held his Court in the Castle.
1094. Rufus and Archbishop Anselm at the Castle.
1155. Thomas a Becket appointed Dean of the King's Free Chapel in the Castle.
1172. Henry II. made extensive additions and built the Keep.
1216. Largely destroyed by King John during his troublous reign.
1225. Castle restored by Henry III.
1320. Priests of the Church of St. Mary-in-the-Castle denounced for gross immorality.
1330. Decay of the Royal Free Chapel. Grants for repair. Ed. III.
1337. Chapel further decayed. French capture the Castle and plunder it.
1342. Hastings Rape and Castle granted to John of Gaunt.
1377. Town of Hastings burnt Richard II. Castle exempt from repair.
1410. Henry IV. Further decay of Chapel. Canons and Vicars rebuked for neglect.
1412. Rape of Hastings granted to Sir John Pelham.
1428. Rape of Hastings forfeited by Sir John Pelham.
1446. Rape granted to Sir Thomas Hoo, a descendant from Eu family.
1448. Hoo created Lord Hastings with the Honour of Hastings and Castle.
1547. Finally ruined and Church dissolved.
During the 14th and 15th Centuries the Castle was ruined by neglect and the ravages of the Sea.
1591. The Honour of the Castle purchased by Sir Thomas Pelham, whose descendant, the Earl of Chichester, is still the owner.
