| John Reeves, Leather Merchant. | Parsons and Cousins, "Hastings Observer " and Printers. |
| George Archibald Thorpe, Boot and Shoe Merchant. | Thomas Woodhams, Auctioneer |
| John Eaton, Auctioneer. | James Woodhams, Auctioneer. |
| Alexander Breeds, Auctioneer. | William Montague Glenister, Chief Constable. |
| Charles J. Womersley, Auctioneer. | William Andrews, Borough Surveyor. |
| Saul Bright, Draper. |
IN THE COACHING DAYS.
One of the most remarkable circumstances in connection with coaching is the comparatively short period in which its history is comprised. One might have reasonably thought that the exigencies of commerce, no less than those of private requirements, would, even in the earliest times, have demanded a system of communication as speedy as possible, and that some steps would have been taken to secure the desired end. Passing over all earlier attempts to organise road traffic, it would appear that 1659 saw the first stagecoach that from Coventry started. Later the Oxford coach, which did the journey from London to Oxford in two days, or about 3 miles an hour, and from London to Dover in 2 days and a half. In 1700, a week was required to go from London to York ; and 2 days from London to Salisbury. But later on in the 18th Century, through the skill of coachmen and coach-builders and the employment of better horses, for the carrying of the mails, the speed was increased to the rate of 10 miles an hour.
In 1731, it appears by the " Collier Letters," coaches between London and Hastings only made the journey once a week.
The following is the copy of a card issued by the Proprietors of the " Regulator " Coach 1745 : " This fast coach will leave the Swan Inn, Hastings, at four o'clock on Monday mornings, arriving at Robertsbridge the same day, Sevenoaks the next, and London the third, returning to Hastings the three following days."
It is not surprising to hear the old folks talk of their wills being made before they left for London, the fire laid overnight, the clink of the flint and steel, the breakfast before daylight, the many friends arriving with letters (to cheat the expensive post), and then the cavalcade with lanterns to the coach.
A Barry's Guide of 1797, says :- "A stage-coach runs between London and Hastings every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, throughout the year, and on Wednesday also, during the summer season - it sets out from the Swan Inn, Hastings, at five, and from the Bolt in Tun Inn, Fleet Street, London, at six in the morning ; the two coaches meet at Tunbridge about noon, where they exchange passengers and parcels, and return home at night."
Powell's Guide of 1819 states: " Two coaches leave the Swan and Crown Hotels daily at six and eight o'clock in the morning -
