Hastings opens up its history

Anyone wishing to delve into Hastings' fascinating history will be helped by a series of free events next weekend.

The Heritage Open days scheme will see buildings which are not normally open to the public unveil their secrets, and free walks, talks and exhibitions taking place from Thursday, September 9, to Sunday, September 12.

Run by English Heritage, the scheme links in with the organisation's Creative Landscapes project, which aims to improve access to historical sites for disabled people.

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Anne Scott, chairman of the Old Hastings Preservation Society, said: "This town has such a wonderful heritage, both in terms of buildings and characters who lived here, and we have got everything from the Iron Age to Marine Court. This is all about opening up the town's history to the widest possible audience.

"It's important to appreciate our heritage so we can try to learn from it and use the opportunities of history for today's needs."

Events in the Hastings programme include dance workshops, a tour of the town hall and a chance to visit the ice house in Summerfields.

And Mrs Scott hopes the Hastings programme will help put the town even more firmly on the heritage map of the UK and raise its profile as a must-visit destination for history buffs.

For more information visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/town/Hastings.