Cliff Railways, Hastings

Work on this lift was started in January 1889 with the intention of an August opening. Objections to the plans caused major re-design and expensive delays, pushing up the cost from £10,000 to £16,000. A 363 ft tunnel was constructed, using an existing cave, at an inclination of 1 in 3. Power was supplied by a 40hp Crossley Gas Engine working through gearing to steel ropes attached to the passenger cars, in either direction, so that the cars would be under control at all times. Other safety measures were an automatic govenor to stop the lift if speed increased and automatic braking if the driving band broke. The lift was completed twenty months late on March 25th 1891. Financially, the lift was not a success because of the increased construction costs and it became bankrupt in 1894. A newly formed lift company operated it until 1947 at which time Hastings Borough Council Council bought the whole concern for the sum of £4,500. The entrance to The West Hill Lift is tucked away at the top of George Street in The Old Town. The lift makes a stately progress through a gloomy cavern, emerging onto the West Hill with its glorious panoramic views. For the less energetic this is a comfortable and convenient way to reach two of Hastings major attractions, The Castle and the Smugglers' Adventure.