Hastings City Map Poster

About Hastings

The origin of the name "Hastings" is disputed. The town was founded by the Saxons around 950 AD on a low hill near the sea, which became known as "the castle". It has been suggested that this may have derived from an earlier Celtic name meaning either 'high' or 'holy place'. Another theory suggests that it derives from `a haven on stilts', referring to mudflats at low tide. Other names for Hastings include: , , and . In 1086, William the Conqueror ordered his standard bearer to display his banner in front of Hastings Castle during its construction because he had fought and won battles against Harold Godwinson at both Senlac Hill (Battle of Hastings) and Stirling Bridge (1066). This claim is supported by a rock carving on one side of what is now called Norman's Bay showing William himself carrying a banner with two crossed arrows above him; however there are no other contemporary references to support this story.