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 Nine: St. Leonards 1858 Page 2

The Boundary Controversy continued - Natural phenomena - Abnormal Temperatures - A Busy week - Royalty Passing & visiting - The Mechanics' Institution - Accidents & Fatalities - Storms & Tides - Various events - Death of Lady Boothby - An address to the King of the Belgians.

Chapter Sixty: Hastings 1858 Page 27

Town Council meetings - The Postal Question - A Possessory Title - (Confirmatory cases) - No proof of Foreshore Rights - The Corporation & the Woods & Forests Commissioners - "No animus" but very much like it - Ross's Guide - "No animus against Hastings" - The Eversfield Waterworks - No reply to articles in the St. Leonards Gazette - Returning Reason - Greater Municipal Independence - Municipal Election - Town Council meetings etc. (Waterworks) - Town Council, Board of Guardians - Bank matters - The Bank Failure Affairs - New Churches & other Buildings - Schools and special Appeals - Local Institutions - Local Societies - A Smuggler's submission - The Fishery - Proposed Net manufactory - Launch of the Life boat - Church Funds Bazaar - Presentations - Dinners - Amusements - Public lectures - Accidents - Deaths, marriages - Champion Oarsmen - Royalty at Hastings - Various occurrences – The  Local Government Act - Miscellaneous.

Chapter Sixty One: St. Leonards 1859 Page 86

The St.Leonards Commissioners - Vestry meetings - St.Leonards Mechanics' Institution - Archery meetings - Celestial & Atmospheric Phenomena - Remarkable Atmospheric changes - Coast defences - Accidents etc., - Dr. Cumming's Lecture - The Old Town Clock - Miscellaneous Events - Imperial Politics.

Chapter Sixty Two: Hastings 1859 Page 107

Town Council meetings - Water Supply - Rainfall & Water Supply - Town Council (water supply) - Surveyor's Application to take other work - The Borough Election - "Hastings News" on the election - The new Ministry - The Mechanics' Institution – Lectures - other matters - Institutions - Accidents & Fatalities - Death of Earl Waldegrave - Marriage-Prof. Frichell - Entertainments, concerts - Hoffman's Organophonic Band - Vestry meetings - Rocket Apparatus - Wesleyan Affairs - Church collections - Consecration of Church & Burial Ground - Fishing Industry - The Lifeboat – Maritime Casualties - The Regatta - The Great Eastern Steam-ship – Rifle Competition – Testimonials - Disputed Right of Way - The Climate of Fairlight - "What Influence can the Planets have?" - The Wreck of the “Royal Charter” - The Great Eastern in the Gale - Miscellaneous matters - The Volunteer Artillery Corps Established - Formation of the Artillery Volunteers - The Year's Retrospect 1859.

Vol.7 - End