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Battle Abbey, East Sussex

Medieval Fayre at Battle Abbey

On 4th October 1066 the forces of King Harold met William the Conqueror's invading army on a hill near Hastings. After the battle the hill would be called Senlac Hill, meaning river or lake of blood. This was a defining moment in British history. But if ever there was a battle that demonstrated the complexities of national identity then it is this one. The usual image of invasion is of a struggle between natives of one country fighting foreigners. In the Battle of Hastings, the most famous in British history, the struggle raged between two societies which were both strongly linked to the Vikings of Scandinavia. The Normans, a word deriving from "Norsemen" had been given the area of Normandy a few centuries earlier to buy them off during a siege of Paris. Following Viking invasions since the tenth century England was similarly influenced by Scandinavian culture. King Harold was son of an Anglo Saxon father and a Scandinavian mother. Even the Anglo Saxon element of England's national identity was closely linked with Normandy. Harold had only just succeeded to the English throne following the death of Edward the Confessor. Edward, often called the "last Anglo Saxon King", had lived for many years in Normandy. His mother was a Norman, he considered Normandy his home, spoke Norman French, and looked to Duke Robert of Normandy as his protector and guardian. In many ways England had a Norman king years before William arrived to face Harold at the Battle of Hastings. Wandering through the peaceful meadows of Senlac Hill today this gives pause for thought.

 

Looking up towards Battle Abbey from the Norman position

 

Following his victory over Harold, William the Conqueror had an abbey built at the site of the battle. This abbey sits on top of the ridge where Harold and his forces positioned their line, and fought William all day. Looking down from the Abbey you look across the preserved battlefield, where you can go for a peaceful walk. Small features of the battlefield echo events of 1066. A small mound can still be seen about halfway down the field, between the ridge and the lakes at the bottom. Following a Norman retreat, a group of Harold's men gave chase, and were then trapped on this hillock when William counter attacked. This scene is clearly depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, created it is thought by crafts people under the direction of Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. The original Bayeux Tapestry is now on display in Bayeux, Normandy, but an excellent copy can be viewed at Reading Museum.

There is a children's play area, museum, and an audio tour. Dogs are welcome on leads.

 

 

( For a discussion of differences of opinion over the site of the Battle of Hastings click here.)

 

Opening Times: opening hours for English Heritage properties can be complex. Please use contact details below.

Address: Battle Abbey, East Sussex TN33 0AD

Directions: Battle Abbey is in the middle of Battle in East Sussex, on the A2100. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred over Battle Abbey and the battlefield.

Access: a shorter tour around the site is available for wheelchair users.

Contact:

telephone: 01424 775705

web site: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/book-and-buy/holiday-cottages/battle-abbey/

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