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Battle Abbey

Medieval Fayre at Battle Abbey

On the 4th of October 1066 the forces of Harold Godwinson met William the Conqueror's invading army at Senlac Hill, meaning lake or river of blood, near Hastings. This was a defining moment in British history. But if ever there was a battle that demonstrated the complexities of national identity than 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 lots of people whose leaders had once been friends. The daughter of one leader was the wife of the other, and both groups were strongly linked to the Vikings of Scandinavia. 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. The 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. A small hill can still be seen about halfway down the field, between the ridge and the lakes at the bottom. Following a faked retreat, a large group of Harold's men gave chase, and then were trapped on this hillock when William counter attacked. The loss of all these men was a major factor in Harold's eventual defeat. Read more at the Norman Conquest, and Norman Britain.

Battle Abbey and Battlefield are open all year round, except for the 24th - 26th December and 1st January. From 1st April to 30th September open 10am to 6pm. From 1st October to 20th March open 10am to 4pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. There is a children's play area, museum, and an audio tour. Dogs are welcome on leads.

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 battle field.

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

Contact:

phone: 01424 773792

web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/battleabbey