Cllr Dawn Poole 66 objects

The story of Hastings in 66 objects

The Battle of Hastings may be the most famous date in British history, but a lot has happened in the 950 years since. To mark the anniversary and as part of the ROOT1066 Festival of Contemporary Arts, Hastings Museum & Art Gallery will be opening a new, permanent display of its local history collections, from 1066 up to the present day.

Cllr Dawn Poole the council’s lead member for culture explained: “The idea for the exhibition was to take 66 Objects that represent key stories that portray some of the people, some of the places and some of the events, both national and local; those that have really shaped the town of Hastings.

“Nine hundred and fifty years is a long time with a lot of history to cover and 66 objects is actually a lot of objects to look at! In the new exhibition we’ve included some objects and some events that have national significance such as the Spanish Armada and the first and second world wars but we’ve also included events that are very particular to Hastings

“As far as possible we have tried to put people at the centre of the story from local characters like the 11th century moneyer Dunninc and medieval Godfrey the Scrivener, to those who have had an international impact, like Robert Tressell and John Logie Baird.”

All sorts of objects have been selected, from everyday items to coronation costume. Cllr Poole is putting in the third object in its case. It’s a wine jug that dates from around 1100, which was excavated at Hastings Castle. The base has signs of blackening, showing that the wine was probably heated over an open fire. Wine became increasingly popular after the Norman Conquest and the Domesday Book records many newly-planted vineyards for the Norman rulers.

The History of Hastings in 66 Objects: The new display will be open from Saturday 25 June at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery. Museum opening times: April to October – Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday 12 noon-5pm. Entry is free.

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