Hastings Castle

With its construction depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry and like Pevensey castle originally built in wood, Hastings castle still proudly overlooks the town albeit a little ragged now. Built by the Duke or Normandy after his 1066 landing, the castle was rebuilt in stone in 1070, along with the church of St Mary which was sited in the castle walls. Today, most of the ruins which survive are that of the church.

Over the centuries the castle was passed from monarch to monarch, restored, dismantled and restored again. 13th century storms ravaged the town carving away huge sections of the cliff and castle. Eventually lost in the undergrowth the castle was purchased by the Hastings Corporation in 1951 and saved as a tourist attraction.

The site with its history and position is well worth a mooch around. Sadly though, the powers to be have added an unsightly carbuncle of a video 'bunker' in the grounds and there is a distinct lack of merchandise at the entry kiosk too. Oh, there are some dungeons but they are pretty grotty as well.