The Francis Frith Collection.
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Staplecross

Staplecross maps (2 available)

Old map of Staplecross

Staplecross books (10 available)

Staplecross memories

Girl Born in Village in May 1925 - Martin Family

My late mother-in-law was apparently born in the village in 1925, but was unable to be kept, so was raised by the Martin family in Hastings. Did they also have any connections with Staplecross? Mum's family folklore believes the name Post and possibly Butchers Shop may hold a connection.

Mum was raised as Audrey Ruth Martin but the family understand that it is  possible at least one of these names was NOT given.

Can anyone throw any light on a family mystery?

Thank you.

John Wells                                    
Contributed by John Teddyfoot

East Sussex memories

The Park

Haywards Heath, the Park c1960

The "Park" - known to us as "The Rec". I walked across this daily to and from my prep school 1945-50 and our scout troup did it's wodcraft here!
A memory of Haywards Heath contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist

"The Serg"

Haywards Heath, the Sergison Arms c1960

I was a fairly regular customer at "The Serg" from about 1955 to 1967. Mr Turner was the first landlord I knew and he was succeeded by Stan and Betty Allen who came from "The Charter" at Epsom.
A memory of Haywards Heath contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist

Shops

Haywards Heath, Boltro Road c1960

I suspect this is a little earlier than 1960 (but after 1956) the first building on the right was the offices of "Waugh Brummell and Barron" later Waugh & Co Solicitors and still going strong. The original Waughs were prominent in the C19 not only as solicitors but clerks to the Local Board, Magistrates and the newly formed Council. Further down on the right, up to the 1960's were "Jacksons Ironmongers", "Hoadley and Wickham" (provision merchants), Clarkes Book Shop and the offices of the Mid Sussex Times, Wrights (tobacconists), Cheals (hairdressers), a green grocers and Lloyds Bank.
A memory of Haywards Heath contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist

Extracts From Staplecross & East Sussex books

Hastings, the Castle 1925

A number of English kings stayed at the castle on their frequent visits to Hastings. William Rufus held court here, at the head of his army, awaiting a chance to slip across to Normandy. In 1201 King John declared the English to be masters of the sea whilst he was here - though he had to reduce the fortifications in 1216 to prevent the castle’s capture by the French.
An extract from from"Hastings and Bexhill Photographic Memories".

Hastings, the Castle 1925

Little remains of the chapel inside the castle of which Thomas Becket was once Dean in the reign of Henry II. The later Collegiate Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also just a ruin. The presence of religious buildings within the castle shows the increasing influence of the church during the reigns of the Angevin and Plantagenet kings.
An extract from from"Hastings and Bexhill Photographic Memories".

Hastings, Alexandria Park 1890

Alexandra Park has long been a popular venue for entertainment, fetes and shows. The lake and reservoir have been stocked with trout and coarse fish for the benefit of local anglers.
An extract from from"Hastings and Bexhill Photographic Memories".

Hastings, Alexandria Park 1890

This area was once known at St Andrews Gardens; after the Prince and Princess of Wales, later Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, opened Alexandra Park, the park was later renamed in honour of Princess Alexandra. Its 80 acres comprise woodland, lakes and sports grounds.
An extract from from"Hastings and Bexhill Photographic Memories".

Hastings, Fairlight Glen, Lover's Seat 1890

Victorians flocked to see the Lovers’ Seat in the beauty spot of Fairlight Glen. Tradition alleges that a naval lieutenant called Lamb trysted here with his sweetheart Miss Boys. Their relationship met with family disapproval, hence the secret meeting-place. The pair eventually married at St Clement Danes Church in London in 1786. The original seat was a long rock that tumbled away in a landslide.
An extract from from"Hastings and Bexhill Photographic Memories".