Overview

In the nineteenth century the 'America Ground' played a key role in the expansion of Hastings. Appearing to be lie outside the town boundary, residents and businesses there had no taxes to pay. The freedom from local authority rules created a libertarian atmosphere, and one of the names the Ground acquired was 'America', after the newly independent state across the Atlantic. However, the Ground's almost-lawless autonomy meant there was repeated conflict between occupants over land. The increasing frequency of these clashes eventually prompted central government to seize control of the Ground and all settlers were evicted. What might have been a new America on British soil was converted it into an up-market suburb of the increasingly popular seaside resort of Hastings. The area that was the Ground is now one of Historic England's Heritage Action Zones, and this book has been published to relate the history of the Ground as part of the regeneration of the area. AUTHOR: Local historian Steve Peak has written several books about Hastings' history over the years, and is the curator of the well-loved Hastings Fishermen's Museum. He writes a blog called the Hastings Chronicle, which is an in-depth fount of local knowledge: https://hastingschronicle.net. 75 colour illustrations

Full Product Details

9780750997317

Table of Contents

Reviews

A beautifully produced and illustrated book. A new book by author Steve Peak has revealed the fascinating history of a unique area of Hastings. This book documents the history thoroughly, in an engaging and accessible style. It is well-illustrated with historical maps and photographs of the area and there are appendices dedicated to the people who lived in the America Ground, the houses that were moved stone by stone to St Leonards, and later history of the area including the Rock Fair. Peak's long-awaited book on the America Ground has been published with the support of Historic England as part of the Trinity Triangle Heritage Action Zone initiative. Steve Peak, curator of Hastings Fishermen's Museum, has written an absorbing and well-illustrated account.

A beautifully produced and illustrated book. A new book by author Steve Peak has revealed the fascinating history of a unique area of Hastings.

Author Information

Local historian Steve Peak has written several books about Hastings' history over the years, and is the curator of the well-loved Hastings Fishermen's Museum. He writes a blog called the Hastings Chronicle, which is an in-depth fount of local knowledge: https://hastingschronicle.net.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available