Hastings

Hastings is a town and seaside resort on the south coast of England, in the county of East Sussex. It is best known for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the Norman conquest of England, which is traditionally associated with the area around the town.

The town developed from a medieval fishing settlement and grew as a popular holiday destination in the 19th century after the arrival of the railway. Its historic core, the Old Town, preserves narrow lanes and timber-framed houses, while the Stade area has a long tradition of fishing and houses the traditional wooden fishing huts along the harbour. Hastings Castle sits on the ridge above the town, and Hastings Pier is a maritime landmark extending into the sea.

Economy today centers on tourism, local services, and light industry. The town hosts cultural events and museums, including Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, and is noted in the chess world for the Hastings International Chess Congress, one of the sport’s oldest tournaments.

Hastings is a name used by other places, including Hastings in New Zealand and Hastings in the United States (Minnesota and Nebraska), among others.