Discover history of local gardens

An exhibition, Historic Gardens of Hastings and St. Leonards, currently running at Hastings History House, is showcasing the work of the Sussex Gardens Trust.
Linton 1 SUS-160316-091946001Linton 1 SUS-160316-091946001
Linton 1 SUS-160316-091946001

Since 2013, Sussex Gardens Trust (SGT) has been working on behalf of Hastings Borough Council to provide historic reports on the gardens and designed open spaces in Hastings and St. Leonards, so that they can be better understood to conserve them.

The sites so far recorded, by a small team of volunteer researchers, have now been nominated for the local list of heritage assets with Hastings Borough Council.

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The reports on these sites are also being stored on the Historic Environment Record, a database of environmental and historic information about the county managed by East Sussex County Council and Record Office.

Linton 2 SUS-160316-091956001Linton 2 SUS-160316-091956001
Linton 2 SUS-160316-091956001

Some further sites are currently being researched and others have been identified for future research. The exhibition is on display at Hastings History House , located in the Old Town at 21, Courthouse Street.

It opened on Thursday March 17 and runs until April 24. Opening times are: Thursday to Sunday, 11am. to 4pm. There is no charge for admission.

Among the many gardens in Hastings and Sty Leonards, is little known Linton Gardens, behind the railway station, which was once used, in Edwardian times, for major public events such as the annual Crowning of the May Queen and attracted hundreds of visitors.

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Sussex Gardens Trust says it is a charity committed to the protection, conservation, and evolution of garden heritage in Sussex - from the recognised historic locations to the lesser-known, smaller havens of delight, often hidden away.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “Over the centuries, numerous wonderful gardens have been developed in Sussex, and many superb examples remain in excellent condition to this day.

“However others are not in good condition or have been lost in part or have vanished. Sussex Gardens Trust aims to celebrate and preserve what remains and record what is in danger of being lost so as much as possible can be retained for future generations.

“Many sites have not been fully researched and recorded, and SGT volunteers are working to find out more about these sites from old documents and site visits. This work helps local authorities develop lists of gardens of historic interest and helps protect our heritage.”

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New research volunteers for the Sussex Gardens Trust project are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary. Contact Jennie Starr. E-mail: [email protected]. For more information about the Trust visit www.sussexgardenstrust.org.uk.

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