Before mobile phones, 'meeting by the memorial' was the most common way for people to find each other in Hastings town centre. Over the years the area became a hub for youth culture on Saturday mornings and was the beating heart of a thriving Hastings town centre. The Albert Memorial clock tower was installed in 1864 and became a prominent landmark. Arsonists set fire to the clock's woodwork in the early hours of April 28 1973 – the clock was damaged and the surrounding stone cracked. On June 18 1973 another smaller fire broke out. After the fire it was said that serious faults were discovered and it was demolished.placeholder image
Before mobile phones, 'meeting by the memorial' was the most common way for people to find each other in Hastings town centre. Over the years the area became a hub for youth culture on Saturday mornings and was the beating heart of a thriving Hastings town centre. The Albert Memorial clock tower was installed in 1864 and became a prominent landmark. Arsonists set fire to the clock's woodwork in the early hours of April 28 1973 – the clock was damaged and the surrounding stone cracked. On June 18 1973 another smaller fire broke out. After the fire it was said that serious faults were discovered and it was demolished.

In 13 pictures: Do you have memories of these lost Hastings landmarks?

By Andy Hemsley
Published 29th May 2025, 09:17 BST

Those of us who grew up in Hastings or have been in the town for a while will no doubt have fond memories of some of these locations which have now either vanished or become drastically altered.

They range from places we may have played as children, a nightspot we may have visited in our teens, beloved familiar landmarks and even the hospital we were treated in.

Have you read? In pictures: Ten magical places in Sussex to discover and visit.

Some local people will have memories of playing at being a giant in this beautifully detailed model village. Designed by Stanley Deboo, it took three years to construct. The village was opened to the public in 1955. and named 'Ganymeade'. It featured reproductions of many Sussex ​building​s. After suffering repeated vandalism, the model village was finally removed in 1988, being replaced by a miniature golf course, then a laser maze site.

5. Model Village at White Rock Gardens

Some local people will have memories of playing at being a giant in this beautifully detailed model village. Designed by Stanley Deboo, it took three years to construct. The village was opened to the public in 1955. and named 'Ganymeade'. It featured reproductions of many Sussex ​building​s. After suffering repeated vandalism, the model village was finally removed in 1988, being replaced by a miniature golf course, then a laser maze site. Photo: supplied

North's Seat in Fairlight was historically a significant vantage point with a viewing platform. The platform, built in 1930, replaced an earlier seat and featured a brass orientation table. It was used as an observation point during World War II but was later demolished in 1982 due to vandalism

6. North Seat viewing platform at Fairlight.

North's Seat in Fairlight was historically a significant vantage point with a viewing platform. The platform, built in 1930, replaced an earlier seat and featured a brass orientation table. It was used as an observation point during World War II but was later demolished in 1982 due to vandalism Photo: supplied

Many people born in Hastings and St Leonards likely took their first breath in the Buchanan Hospital. Situated on Springfield Road, St Leonard’s, before it closed in 1997, the hospital was the main maternity hospital with special care baby unit and women’s services.

7. Buchanan Hospital, St Leonards.

Many people born in Hastings and St Leonards likely took their first breath in the Buchanan Hospital. Situated on Springfield Road, St Leonard’s, before it closed in 1997, the hospital was the main maternity hospital with special care baby unit and women’s services. Photo: supplied

Many people who grew up here would have had their first taste of local night-life at this building. Situated at the end of George Street, above the amusement arcade, it had many different names over the years but is most famously remembered as Saturday's, which was the town's premium night club for years. The building was earmarked for new flats, but following an arson attack was completely demolished.

8. Saturday's Night Club

Many people who grew up here would have had their first taste of local night-life at this building. Situated at the end of George Street, above the amusement arcade, it had many different names over the years but is most famously remembered as Saturday's, which was the town's premium night club for years. The building was earmarked for new flats, but following an arson attack was completely demolished. Photo: supplied

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