The town gives its name to the Battle of Hastings, which took place 8 mi (13 km) to the north-west at Senlac Hill in 1066. It later became one of the medieval Cinque Ports. In the dead of night, well past one in the morning, President Abraham Lincoln passed throughHastings on a secret trip from Washington, DC to West Point.

Understanding the Context

Hastings has Minnesota's second-oldest county courthouse that is still standing. It was finished in 1871 and cost $63,000 to build. But it was only the Norman duke, William, who threatened Harold's claim to the English throne. Harold, fresh off a victory over the Norse, was forced to march his weary men to Hastings, along the southeast coast to challenge the Normans on October 14 in a battle for English identity.

Key Insights

Share your stories, and photos! – from its founding days to the present. Let’s discover the enduring history of Hastings together. Find out what happened at the most famous battle in English history.On a hilltop 7 miles from Hastings were the forces of Harold, who had been crowned king nine months earlier. Today, Hastings blends its rich history with a lively coastal charm, offering visitors a glimpse into both its storied past and vibrant present.

Final Thoughts

Located just 85 miles southeast of London, Hastings is easily accessible. Using data from Morgane Laouenan et al., the map is showing birthplaces of the most "notable people" around the world. Data has been processed to show only one person for each unique geographic location with the highest notability rank.