Hastings is a seaside town and borough in East Sussex on the south coast of England, 24 mi east of Lewes and 53 mi south east of London. The town gives its name to the Battle of Hastings, which took place 8 mi to the north-west at Senlac Hill in 1066. It later became one of the medieval Cinque Ports. In the 19th century, it was a popular seaside resort, as the railway allowed tourists and visitors to reach the town. Today, Hastings is a fishing port with the UK's largest beach-based fishing fleet. It has an estimated population of 91,100 as of 2021.