After the decline of the Cinque Ports, Hastings became once more a small fishing port. Hastings and the newly built St. Leonards became a major resort for the rich. A prosperous smuggling trade grew up in this area. Walt Disney made a film about one famous smuggler - Dr. Syn, a preacher by day and a smuggler by night, he hid much of his treasure in the Caves on Hastings Sea Front. Today visitors can enter the caverns and tunnels of St. Clements Caves.
Today there is little heavy industry in the area.
The main resource is tourism. This is not surprising as Hastings and the neighbouring towns in Sussex and Kent are rich in history and fine buildings. Hastings and St Leonards Observer Online - Online edition of the local newspaper, providing the current headlines and sports news. Jobs, property, motor and classified advertising. Brakes Coppice Park - A camp site near Hastings and Battle.