Net shops

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Another notable feature of Hastings is these characteristic multi-storey sheds, known as net shops, a unique feature of the Old Hastings seashore. Storage sheds were necessary when nets were made of natural fibres and needed to be stored dry when not in use, to prevent them rotting away. But until the late 19th century, when a groyne was built which caused the shingle beach to expand, Old Hastings had very little space on shore between the sea and the cliffs, so of necessity the sheds had to be built upwards. Most of them have three storeys because there were three fishing seasons for different fish species – herring, mackerel and flatfish – and each required different gear. So they would be stored separately to make it easy to retrieve the appropriate nets when the season came round. The different levels were accessed from the outside via ladders. The sheds are wooden weatherboarded constructions which are tarred to protect them from the elements. Nowadays the nylon nets are just left outside, but the sheds were saved from demolition because they are a much-loved local feature and a unique part of Hastings history. I took this photo in the late afternoon at dusk, the streetlights had just come on. All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2026.