Hastings RX Morris was founded in 1976, and were then known as Mad Jacks Morris. Our original name was based on the locally known philanthropist, John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller, the one-time squire and MP of the nearby village of Brightling who, was regarded in his lifetime, as bit of a character: he built many follies, one of which is the “Sugar Loaf”, which formed part of the side’s logo. He also saved Bodiam Castle from demolition; financed the building of the Belle Tout Lighthouse atop Beachy Head; instituted the first Eastbourne lifeboat; and supported Brightling’s church, bells, and organ, amongst other things.
We first practiced in Catsfield and members came from nearby villages and towns. It felt appropriate to have a name not related to a particular area. However for at least the last twenty five years we have practiced in Hastings.
In 2023 Mad Jacks Morris became Hastings RX Morris. This rebranding of the existing side was done in order to reflect our rich history of dancing in Hastings and the surrounding areas, and to better place us geographically. Hastings is our home location with our practices being held in Ore Community Centre and our side regularly dancing throughout the year in Hastings.
RX represents our local fishing fleet and the surrounding areas – many of which house our current members!
This decision was also taken in conjunction with feedback from the local community. Since forming in 1976 evidence became available which showed that John Fuller owned plantations in Jamaica and derived some of his wealth from them. Perhaps not surprisingly, he was a supporter of slavery and an anti-abolitionist. The side made a decision to remain named Mad Jacks for a short period after this evidence was brought to our attention with the intention of raising awareness of the past, but in no way condoning any of Jack Fullers views. In our current society we recognise that it is no longer acceptable to remain named after this individual, and therefore we have changed our name.
Our colours of red, gold and blue are the colours of the Cinque Ports of which Hastings is one of the originals.
Our Kit
Our kit (or costume) has changed over the years. It has previously featured embroidered waistcoats with breeches and stockings, to baldricks and trousers with top hat for the men, and black skirts to white dresses with straw hats and eventually trousers and waistcoats for the women. The Mad Jacks Morris kit also featured a badge with a sugarloaf logo.
When we changed our name in 2023, we also took this opportunity to review our kit. We took the decision to remove the top hats for the men, in part due to their association with Mad Jack Fuller – and also for practical reasons! We also updated our logo to reflect our local area and it now features Hastings Castle and a fishing boat. If you look closely you will see it is registered as RX1976 – a nod to our history and our founding year.
Hastings Museum currently has a display showcasing our history as we celebrate our 50th Birthday!