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The Sussex Hotel and West Marina (with view) - The Dundases and Boothbys

I repeat that there were no houses, in 1832, between 71 Marina and the Sussex which now takes the place of 110, whilst it has also been greatly enlarged and improved. The accompanying view, however, shows the original elevation of the Hotel and the range of smaller houses beyond.

While dwelling on the Sussex Tap, my thoughts seem to fly off at a tangent to another tavern which then existed in the neighbourhood, and which had probably been the scene of many "a tale of a tub," but whose place is known no more. I allude to the old wayside house known as "The New England Bank" at Bopeep. It stood at the foot of a hill, over which wound a path to Filsham Farm, as well as to the Hastings Races, when those races were regarded as one of the great events of the year. Bopeep Fair was also held there both before and after the early history of St. Leonards. This fair mainly consisted of a booth for drinking and dancing, and one or two gingerbread-stalls in proximity to the lofty white posts, between which the familiar sign of the New England Bank oscillated to the bidding of Æolus. It was a favourite resort of the Hastings fishermen, of whom it has been said, they there played pitch and toss with golden guineas. I suppose this was before my time, as never saw the guineas so trifled with, although I have more than once seen the skittle-pins get some hard knocks. The first landlord of whom I have any recollection was Richard Maplesden, who was succeeded by Stanton Noakes in 1831, and who gave place in turn to William Payne, who was the last tenant, and who, when the site was sold to the Brighton Railway Company, built the Railway Terminus Inn, now known as the ''Bopeep Hotel''. Stanton Noakes, in the mean time, erected a house nearly midway between Bopeep and the Sussex Hotel, which he afterwards employed as a public-house, and which still retains its original name of ''The Fountain''. Mr. Noakes also built one or two cottages adjoining, in one of which his widow resided after his death.

I will not close my reference to the New England Bank without adding that it was respectably conducted by Mr. Payne, and that during his tenancy the young tradesmen of St. Leonards had many a quadrille party and social gathering. The introduction of the Brighton railway caused its removal in 1844, and the West Marina Station at Bopeep now occupies the site.

Before I further proceed I will answer a few enquiries that have been made, and at the same time correct an error which appeared in the preceding chapter; in connection with the man-cook at Quarry Castle. To take the last first, I may say that although familiarly known by his companions as "Grouchy" or "Grochy," his real name was Grogan; and instead of being alive, as was supposed in 1878 he had been dead about nine years. There is a serio-comic story told of him in a venture across Channel in company with the late Mr. John Skinner and other St. Leonards people, and which I will reserve for another occasion; but I may here state that not only was Mr, Grogan a very proficient chef in the culinary art, but also very clever at carving in wood and other materials. He had a surviving sister residing in Warrior Square, of whom I had no knowledge when I wrote my account of him, and whose family have courteously shown me some real pictures in wood carving, framed and glazed, which afford additional proofs of Mr. Grogan’s ingenuity.

In reply to a query as to where and when the Dundases were interred, I have already stated that they have lain in their graves at St. Leonards burial-ground many years; but, to be more precise, the Rt. Hon. Wm. Dundas died in November, 1845, at the age of 84; and Mary Stewart, his wife, died on March 9, 1852, aged 92. And now, having visited the said burial-ground to ascertain the above dates, I will also quote the inscriptions from the memorial stones of Lady Boothby and her relatives, by which it will be seen that whilst they afford a few additional particulars, they corroborate my previous notice of their deaths. Lady Boothby is there described as "Louisa Cranstoun, widow of Sir Wm. Boothby, Bart., died Jan. 16th, 1858, aged 46 years". Her brother, sister, and mother, whose deaths I described as having so depressing an effect upon her ladyship, are also named on the same memorial stone as follows: "Frederick Augustus Macnamara, of Rose Mount, died Oct. 20th, 1856, aged 38.” "Anna, wife of Thos. Price, Esq. (sister of F. A. Mac-namara), died in the West Indies, July 13, 1857" "Jane Elizabeth, widow of Frederick Haynes Macnamara, Esq. (mother of all the above), died at Worthing, Dec. 8th, 1857."

As to the objection that "the house occupied by Miss Deudney was No. 3 East Ascent; and not No. 1, as stated," that lady certainly did reside at No. 3, but it was many years later than the time I mentioned, and I must adhere to my original statement, that the first occupant of 1 East Ascent was Miss Harriet Deudney. She previously rented 55 Marina.

Midway between the two blocks of Marina Houses, which were erected in 1831-2, stands the St. Leonards Church, whose first stone-laying ceremonial, already described, was a grand feature in the early history of St. Leonards. The Church was completed before the end of 1832, and service was permitted by the Bishop to be held in it-until Thursday the 22nd of May, 1834, when it was formally opened by Dr. Maltby, late Bishop of Durham. The first minister was the Rev. Caleb Molyneaux, and the clerk was a Mr. Abraham, who also assisted the choir as a flautist. From this it will be readily understood that the Church at that time was not furnished with an organ; and it will excite no surprise when I say that for a considerable time until, in fact, Mr. Elford exchanged his violin for a "box of whistle-pipes," as the small organ was slightingly spoken of — the choir had no instrumental help beyond that which was afforded by the flute and violin. This organ was first placed in the gallery over the entrance, and the only two living members of the original choir — now 60 years ago — are Miss Scott, of Stanhope Place, and her cousin, the present writer. Of the church and its associations I shall have more to say, further on.

Fatal Smuggling at Warrior's Gate - Reform bill rejoicings

The year 1832 was so full of incidents associated with St. Leonards, that one feels to have a difficulty of getting away from it. On the very first day of that year there was a terrific encounter at Warrior's Gate, in which several of the "fair traders" were wounded and three of them reported to have died. Several of the coastguard were also badly beaten by the batsmen. At -