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.

This familiar landmark was situated on Cambridge Road at the entrance to White Rock Gardens and dated back to 1936. The clock was dismantled during WW2 and finally returned in 1952. The clock survived until the early 1970s.

9. Floral Clock

This familiar landmark was situated on Cambridge Road at the entrance to White Rock Gardens and dated back to 1936. The clock was dismantled during WW2 and finally returned in 1952. The clock survived until the early 1970s. Photo: supplied

This lake, which is still located in the lower portion of Alexandra Park was a popular boating lake from around 1900 until the late 1980s when it fell into disuse. Many local people will remember the traditional wooden rowing boats and, later, the plastic canoes. It was also popular for sailing toy model boats. The lake is now given over to nature and contains a metal sculpture.

10. Alexandra Park Boating Lake

This lake, which is still located in the lower portion of Alexandra Park was a popular boating lake from around 1900 until the late 1980s when it fell into disuse. Many local people will remember the traditional wooden rowing boats and, later, the plastic canoes. It was also popular for sailing toy model boats. The lake is now given over to nature and contains a metal sculpture. Photo: supplied

Dominating a large section of the town centre for more than a century. People may remember the town's main bus and coach depot next to the cricket ground. The cricket ground was eventually demolished between 1996 and 1997, to make way for the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre. Famous cricket players who graced the ground include W. G Grace, Don Bradman and Denis Compton.

11. Hastings Central Cricket Ground

Dominating a large section of the town centre for more than a century. People may remember the town's main bus and coach depot next to the cricket ground. The cricket ground was eventually demolished between 1996 and 1997, to make way for the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre. Famous cricket players who graced the ground include W. G Grace, Don Bradman and Denis Compton. Photo: supplied

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