Hastings had Charters from Edward the Confessor, William I. and II. and Henry II. Richard I. Henry III. Edward I. Elizabeth, and Charles II. Its present Charter was grant ed by James II. by which it is incorporated by the style of Mayor, Jurats, and Commonalty ; Sir Deny Ashburnham, Knight, being the first Mayor under this Charter. Before the time of Queen Elizabeth, the chief Magistrate was styled Bailiff. The Mayor is chosen annually, on the third Sunday after Easter. This town has sent Members to Parliament ever since Edward III. They are elected by a majority of the Jurats and Freemen. The present Members are, Lord Glenbervil, and G. W. Gunning, Esq.
The entrance to Hastings by the London road, from Fairlight Down, is one of the finest that can be imagined. It opens on a smooth terrace from the Down, from whence is an extensive prospect of Pevensey Bay, Beachy Head, Bourne Hills, and a wide range of sea ; when through the turnpike gate, the Valley of Hastings appears, discovering the Upper Church, and the tops of houses. A beautiful engraved view, taken -
