Boer War Memorial

The Boer War Memorial stands on the Hastings promenade, near the Pier and opposite the White Rock Hotel and Theatre. Constructed to commemorate the servicemen of Hastings who died in the Boer War (1899-1902), the memorial was first mapped in 1909. It was unveiled by Lieutenant-General Sir H M Leslie Rundle between 1928 and 1938, it was moved approximately 50 metres east to its current position.

The memorial takes the form of a 4-metre-high pillar made of polished pink Peterhead granite. It rests on a three-stepped base, the lower two steps constructed from differing stone, atop a square plinth. A granite sphere, with decorative banding, supports a gun metal grenade. Bronze trophy flags representing the Union Jack and the Colours of the Royal Sussex Regiment are positioned on each side of the pillar’s base. The crest of Hastings and the inscription ‘Borough of Hastings’ are displayed above the flags on the southern side.

The south face of the upper plinth bears the inscription, "ERECTED BY THE / INHABITANTS OF THIS BOROUGH / TO THE MEMORY OF / THEIR BRAVE FELLOW TOWNSMEN / WHO FELL IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR / 1899 TO 1902". The north, east and west sides list the names of the 51 fallen, accompanied by their respective regiments (17 names on each face).

The memorial is designated at Grade II for its elegant design, combining pink granite and bronze flags, its strong historical significance in illustrating the impact of the war on the local community, and its contribution to the group value of the surrounding area, including the pier and other listed buildings.