THE FORT .
At the west end of the Stade is a Fort, mounting six twenty-four-pounders (during war,) built about forty years ago, and which not only serves to defend the town against an enemy, but is a most excellent barrier against the encroachments of the sea in boisterous weather. Adjoining the Fort is the Parade, which, being seven hundred feet in length, and commanding a most extensive prospect of the ocean , Beachy Head , and Pevensey Bay, ' is considered one of the best promenades of any watering place on the coast.
CHARTERS.
Hastings received CHARTERS from Eduard the Confessor, William the First, and several other monarchs, who reigned over the kingdom prior to the year 1688. The corporation is composed of a mayor, jurats, and about 200 freemen , is exempted from toll, and is empowered to hold courts of judicature, in cases of a capital nature; and also in all civil cases and for the recovery of debts to an unlimited extent.
