Things you didn't know about... Hastings

Working-class hero Robert Tressell found inspiration in Hastings
Robert (Noonan) Tressell wrote The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists in Hastings between 1906 and 1910. Much of the book, a seminal work highlighting the plight of the working class, is based on his experience of working in the town as a signwriter and decorator. It was published posthumously in 1914.

John Logie Baird developed the first TV equipment while in Hastings
Scottish engineer Logie Baird, the first person to demonstrate a working television, lived in Hastings for nearly two years from February 1923. He built his first transmitting equipment here.

Britain's first underground car park was in Hastings
It was built by Borough Engineer Sydney Little in 1931. Little was also responsible for Hastings' double-decker seafront promenade, whose lower level walls are decorated with coloured pieces of broken glass from old bottles.

Hastings is home to the country's largest beach-based fishing fleet
It can be found on Hastings' shingle beach, known as the Stade, which means landing place. The 25-plus boats are protected by the fishing community's medieval right to use the beach in perpetuity, without charge.

Hastings was home to the author of King Solomon's Mines
Rider Haggard, author of King Solomon's Mines, She and other novels that glorified unexplored Africa in the 19th century, lived in the town between 1918 and 1923.

The National Chess Library is in Hastings
The English Chess Federation has its National Chess Library in Hastings. A major part of the library's collection comes from Sir Richard Clarke, father of the former Labour Home Secretary, Charles Clarke MP.

First famous conservationist, Grey Owl, was born and bred in Hastings
The Canadian conservationist, writer and lecturer was born Archibald Belaney in Hastings in 1888 and later attended Hastings Grammar School. He moved to Canada at 17, worked as a trapper, then became immersed in the native way of life, assuming the name Grey Owl. He was instrumental in setting up the Canadian National Parks.

Waterloo hero and Hastings resident
The Duke of Wellington, Sir Arthur Wellesley, defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. He lived in Hastings from 1806 when he was stationed there with his brigade, and later moved to Hastings House after marrying Lady Catherine Packenham.

Pop celebs with ties to Hastings
Pop impresario Simon Fuller, Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Madness frontman Suggs (Graham McPherson) were all born in the town.

Hastings has strong connections with the art world
Both JMW Turner and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, painted extensively in Hastings. In Hastings in 1860, Rossetti married Lizzie Siddal, a popular model with the Pre-Raphaelites who was the sitter for John Everett Millais's Ophelia.