The Brett Manuscripts have been transcribed by Rod Lavers as part of "Hastings Local History Resource"

Rod has over the years been working on a number of things to try and help anyone doing local history research with the intention to eventually be able to electronically search through the indexes of all the Hastings history books and antiquarian guide books, all at the same time, and to further know what Hastings pictures, drawings and photos were already in print or in private collections, and what subject matter they showed. This would all then be combined in order to help others with their archaeological and local history research.

Thank you Rod, I am happy to be able to publish your work.

Chapter Fifty Five: St.Leonards 1856 Page 1

St.Leonards Commissioners' Meetings - Voluntary rate and generous gifts - St.Leonards Mechanics' Institution - The Queen's Royal St.Leonards Archers - The fashionable season - Bankruptcies, Dissolutions, etc. - Moreing versus Troup - Storms, Gales and high tides - Balls, concerts & other entertainment - School notes - Church matters - Accidents, Curiosities - Peace with Russia - Parochial meetings - Cemetery Tenders - Consecration, etc. - Vaccinations Facts and Petitions - Cure for small pox - "Anti-Humbug" versus "Anti-Prejudice" - Municipal matters - Various Occurrences.

Chapter Fifty Six: Hastings 1856 Page 27

Town Council meetings - Town Clerk & Borough Surveyor (Assertions & Denials) - The Court of Record - Election of Mayor - Meeting of Burgesses - Town Council meetings - Mr. Eldridge’s Fine - Political Independence - Mechanics' Institution - The Literary Institution - The Fishery & other matters - Hastings Regatta - A case of smuggling - Conviction for smuggling - Sale of Land, etc., - Church matters - School items - Inquests and Particular Deaths - Entertainments & other Amusements - Accidents - Murder of a Hastings Gaoler - Curiosities - Discoveries on the East Hill - Archaeological Discovery - The Banking Testimonial - Proclamation and celebration of Peace - The Chewton Memorial.

Chapter Fifty Seven: St. Leonards 1857 Page 74

Commissioners Meetings - Vestry meetings in 1857 - St.Leonards Church, St.Leonards Schools - National schools - Mechanics Institution - St.Leonards Mechanics' Institution - Archery meetings - Fashionable Gatherings - Balls, dinners, evening parties etc. - Wesleyan items - Lifeboat & Humane Society - Lifeboat established - Accidents & Injuries - Silverhill Chapel - St. Mary Magdalen Church - Sermons & other matters - Novelties and Eccentricities - East Sussex election - The Postal Imbroglio - Postal & Boundary Dispute.

Chapter Fifty Eight: Hastings 1857 Page 138

Town Council meetings - Inquests and Particular deaths - East Sussex Representation - The Country & Borough Elections - Hastings & Manchester Elections - Defeat of the Peace-at-any-Price Party - Parliamentary Prospects - Election of a Speaker - Speakers in Ancient Times - A Trophy of the Russian Wars - Meeting of a Brotherhood & Guestling - Ancient Local Records - Vestry Meetings - Nose pulling case - Failure of the Bank - Holy Trinity Church - Church Matters - Testimonials etc. - New bells for St. Clements - Public Schools - Mechanics & Literary Institution - The Fishery - Collisions & Disasters - Wrecks & Fatalities - The Regatta - Accidents - Dinners, suppers, etc. - The Mayor's dinner - Press opinions - Various items.

Vol.6 - End