The seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex is famous for its modernist 1930s De La Warr Pavilion but has a wealth of other fascinating stories connected with its history. Although still a small town at the start of the nineteenth century, it was home to the King’s German Legion in 1804, made up of German troops who had escaped Hanover when taken over by Napoleon and who fought in the British Army. Later in the nineteenth century the De La Warr family transformed Bexhill into an elegant resort, the 8th Earl bringing motor racing to the town but also scandalising it with his two divorces. Author Alan Starr reveals the town’s connections with the Indian philosopher Krishnamurti and the Maharajah of Cooch Behar, who influenced building styles in the town, the Mysterious Cobbler who exercised his psychic imagination from his shoe shop, literary associations including Spike Milligan’s time stationed in the town while in the army, and much more. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away historical buildings, Secret Bexhill-on-Sea will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this East Sussex town.
