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In the Eighteenth Century
perity; without it, it might have been increased by buildings, rivalling those of St. George's Fields; and the houses tenanted by company issuing from the deserted brothels of the metropolis : but it would not have continued to yield attractions to the lovers of pure air and romantic scenery; nor would it be distinguished, as is now the case, as the resort of the best and most accomplished families."
As the century progressed, travelling became less hazardous and less inconvenient, and this had the effect not only of increasing the influx of company, but in making it easier to put the market on a satisfactory footing. The market was established on the Lower Walk, and many visitors purchased their own food, so that the scene was often gay, and, probably, often amusing. The fresh-coloured Sussex saleswomen, in their high-crowned hats, made a pretty picture. " Provisions of all sorts [are] very reasonable," Defoe wrote. " Particularly they are supply'd with excellent Fish, and that of almost all Sorts, from Rye, and other Towns on the Sea-Coast; and I saw a Turbut of near twenty Pounds weight sold there for three Shillings. In the Season of Mackerel, they have them here from Hastings, within three
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