The America Ground: 81/2 acres of Hastings town centre that in the early nineteenth century was an open section of beach, apparently beyond the borough boundary and with no obvious owner. Free from the rules of local authority and taxes, this almost lawless area was gradually occupied by a thousand or more people, many of them squatters, who lived and worked there - until they were all evicted by the government in 1835.

This is the story of that beach, which became almost 'independent' of the ancient town (like America had of England), but ultimately played a crucial role in expanding the old fishing port into a modern seaside resort.

About the 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.

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."
"Fascinating look into past of the town."



Book Information
ISBN 9780750997317
Author Steve Peak
Format Paperback
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd