The History, the People, the Place - Part 2: The West Hill Story

When the West Hill first began to be developed for housing in the early 19th century, it became home to a mix of working families and trades-people who were drawn to the growing seaside town. Many were connected to the expanding building trade, while others found work in the bustling Old Town below, in fishing or in the expanding tourist industry that Hastings was quickly cultivating. Modest terraced homes sprang up alongside larger villas built for those seeking fresh air and views away from the crowded streets, creating a diverse community. Life on the hill was shaped by its geography — close-knit neighbours relied on each other, children played on the open grassland above the cliffs, and the steep climb up from the town centre gave the area a slightly removed, village-like character. From photos and paintings, historian Steve Peak will animate the Hill's history up to present day.