Friends of Hastings Cemetery

Julius Fontaine Mastin was born in Hastings in1868.  He inherited Mastin Brothers, the Drapers business at 7 to 10 Breeds Place, when his father died in 1889, although he may well have been working with him for some years before this.

The 1891 census shows him as a Draper - Employer.  He and his wife Martha are both 23, and they have a cook and a domestic servant.

Julius was a keen cyclist, and at one time was captain of the old Hastings Cycling Club.

As a pioneer motorist he was the owner of a 1903 Argyll, the first car to be registered in Hastings, bearing the number DY1. The number later became available and was acquired in 1960 for use by Hastings Borough

Council on the Mayoral car.

He died at his home, Holmesdale, Lower Park Road, Hastings.

Martha Jane was born in Litcham, Norfolk and her maiden name was Beart.  They married in Norfolk in 1890.