Hastings Country Park - History

The park supported considerable human activity in prehistoric times. Archaeological finds and landmarks date from Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romano-British, Saxon, Medieval, post-Medieval, Victorian to World War II periods.

A large majority of the park has been identified as an Area of Archaeological Interest, within which, a large area of the East Hill is a designated Ancient Monument.

The East Hill forms a large Iron Age Promontory Fort, which due to the shape of the ditch, is believed to date to about 40BC (to find out more about the Iron Age go to this incredibly informative BBC site.

The enclosure in the centre of the hill is considered to be of either Roman or Medieval origin.

A large number of artefacts have been discovered within this area including: flints, scrapers, spoons, arrowtips and arrowheads, medieval tiles, dog spears and mantraps, cannonballs, and a large number of pottery finds.

The search for precious artefacts is by no means over so always keep your eyes open!

The park was essential to the 18th and early 19th century smuggling trade. Using makeshift pulleys known as 'Derricks', the smugglers often winched their contraband up the face of the cliffs and into the arms of the waiting tubmen who would spirit them away into the night.