Hastings has been celebrating today......and you may think it strange that a town on the south coast of England celebrates American Independance Day.....not so........ there is a good reason.
'The historic America Ground in Hastings town centre will be the site of a massive celebration to tie in with American Independence Day on Sunday July 4th.
This year’s plans include a re-enactment of the events that happened in Robertson Street, Trinity Street and Claremont in the 1800s which led to the area being known as the America Ground. The celebrations will open with the official unveiling of the America Ground mural [see picture].The mural is based on the history of the Roberston Street area. In the 1800s it was occupied by residents living in shanty style houses who had a reputation for drunkenness and lawlessness. Hastings Corporation tried to get some control over the situation, but were met with resistance and hostility by those living there.
The occupants of the area declared themselves independent from the rest of the town and hoisted the American Stars and Stripes. Thus it became known as America Ground.'
So there you have it.........Happy Independance Day........though I don't think it lasted very long in Hastings!!!!
9 comments:
What an interesting story! Thanks for posting it. We're off to a parade this morning and we'll shoot off fireworks this afternoon.
Rinda
Well Happy Independence Day to you and your fellow "Americans" Jacky! A great excuse for a bit of a knees up presumably too!
Kathyk
I hadn't realised the American connection with Hastings, thanks for sharing. And enjoy the celebrations!
ooh i love abit of history. that's something new i've learnt today jackie. happy independence day
Jo xxx
Well, you learn something new every day, right? Although as an American, not sure I really love the connection with a bunch of drunk and lawless rabble rousers! ;)
That IS interesting Jackie. Thanks for that. Of course it was us Brits the American's wanted independence from. Isn't it nice that our two countries are now allies and on such friendly terms. Lx
Very interesting Jacky - I hope you enjoy the celebrations .... well, not as much as those who the celebrations are named after!
Jacky, this is a brilliant story. I've learned something new today, I'd never heard this before :) I like that mural very much
This was new to me too, how interesting! Thanks for sharing :-)
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