Hastings Histories

This is our second episode on the history of the Hastings fishing community. This time we take up the story post WW2 and continue to explore the changes seen to The Stade, the methods of fishing and the challenges faced by the industry in the modern era. 

Who owns The Stade and what rights do the fishermen claim?  How has the practice of fishing evolved and how have these changes affected our oceans? What impact has government policy had on small fishing communities like Hastings? 

This episode was created in partnership with Mick and Steve Barrow. Mick spent started fishing in Hastings in the 1970's and was a prominent member of the lifeboat crew. Steve is the local boat builder and is well known regionally for his craft. 

In this episode we’ll be exploring the history of the Hastings fishing community from the Doomsday Book until WW2. We’ll look at the work of the fishermen, the community in the which they lived and the challenges they faced.

How has fishing changed in Hastings over the years? What was it like in the 19th century old town? Why has the Hastings fleet survived all these years when so many have disappeared?

This episode is created in partnership with the Hastings Fisherman's Museum. 

Did you know that part of Hastings town centre is known as 'The America Ground'?  Perhaps you've seen the mural on Robertson Street or heard the speech at the start of the bonfire procession? This episode tells the story of the part of Hastings known as the ‘America Ground’ - an area of land that grew from the sea and was outside of the control of the council. We’re going to be finding out about the lives of the people who lived there - plus the rise, fall and rebirth of the area.  We will be joined by Steve Peak, a local historian who has written an excellent book on the topic.

Almost everyone from Hastings will know about Jack in the Green... but where does this strange and wonderful tradition come from? 
In this episode we will be exploring the origins behind this Mayday custom and questioning the widely held assumption that it has links to paganism. We will be joined by Keith Leech, founder of the modern Hastings celebration and local folklore expert.