Here is a picture, taken by Keith Piggott, of the area in the Combe Haven that was the old port of Hastings before the entrance was blocked by the great storm at the end of the 13th century. Those who do not believe this waterway was the port of Hastings should really think again. Would you leave your boats exposed to the sea when they could be in here? Photo taken from Hillcroft Farm.
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Hi Nick,
not that I’m in any doubt that you’re onto something here and hopefully there will be some boats found to prove it this year but I was wondering something. Why would there still have been any Norman ships in the bay two hundred years later when the storm took place and silted up the entrance? Some boats were burnt, others dismatled but surely none would’ve just been left sitting there for 200 years as they were very valuable. What do you think? Thanks . Julian
Hey Nick, bit disappointed you never responded to my question. Was just wondering what your thoughts were on why there may be have still been Norman ships around the Combe Haven at the time of the great storm other than of course in the Monkham Inlet where they may have been earthed up. Many thanks
So you are asking why a boat that ran aground in 1066 was still there after the harbour was closed by the storm in 1294? Because it was there. Once it had ran aground it could not be recovered like a thousand other wrecks along the coast. This one was inland and that was the only only difference. They couldn’t call the lifeboat out:) Likewise those boats left on the shore sank because they were either dismantled in part or or abandoned as they weren’t needed any more and so some will still be there.
Ahh thanks!. Apologies if it seemed a silly question but you have clarified marvellously what I wondered and had failed to realise; that boats run aground. Cheers!