aerial photograph of Hastings Castle East Sussex England UK. One of the first three Castles built by William the Conquer after he landed in Britain in 1066. Originally a prefabricated timber Motte and Bailey Castle that William brought with him from France. it was rebuilt in stone in 1070. During the reign of King Joh n the castle was partially dismantled as John feared its capture by the French, however it was refortified in the mid 13th Century. During a winter storm in 1287 part of the curtain wall and keep fell into the sea. This was the beginning of several centuries of coastal erosion which saw much of the castle lost to the sea. The castle was partially restored and opened to the public in the 19th Century.