St. Clements church tower in Hastings old town.

 

A case of 'spot the genuine cannon ball'. A Dutch warship is said to have fired on St Clement's church during the hostilities between the two countries during the 17th century. Rather than dislodge the shot from its resting place high in the tower, the church authorities decided that it would be simpler to install a matching one on the other side of the window.

If you think the story unlikely you need to think of a good alternative reason for the unusual design feature.

Close-up of the tower: The supposed cannon ball is on the right.

 

I must say that from the ground the right feature does look very different from the left in so much that you can see at once the left feature is made of stone.

 

The right feature does have the qualities of old shot exposed for a long period to the elements. Go and see for yourself! The Old Town of Hastings is well worth a visit in its own right.

 

Access

St Clement's Church, off High Street in the Old Town

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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