Battle Abbey, East Sussex

Visit Battle Abbey in East Sussex and relive the Battle of Hastings, an event that heralded a new era of history in Britain

By countryfile

Published: Wednesday, 05 July 2023 at 12:00 am

It is perhaps the most famous date in British history: 1066, the year William II, Duke of Normandy and his forces sailed the Channel to meet the English army at Senlac Hill, north of Hastings.

The Battle of Hastings was hard-fought and bloody. More than 7,000 men were slaughtered including the English King, Harold, and the resulting regime-change made this one of the turning points in our history.

As penance for the bloodshed – and to commemorate his victory – William founded an abbey on the battle site: Battle Abbey. Originally dedicated to St Martin, both it and the town that grew up around it became better known by the more-evocative name of Battle.

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A view of part of the ruins of Battle Abbey/Credit: Getty

Today you can visit the site of the Battle of Hastings and explore the famous Battle Abbey.

Interested in learning more about Britain’s history? Check out our guides to Roman Britain, Neolithic Britain and the Feudal Era.

Visiting Battle Abbey

Visit the fields south of Battle Abbey and you could struggle to imagine the events of that fateful October day; sheep graze the meadows while oaks resound with birdsong.

However, if you’re thirsty for knowledge – or, indeed, blood – fear not, English Heritage has put great effort into bringing the battle to life, with some effective results.

Guide to Britain’s battlefields

Many of Britain’s most important conflicts were fought on what are now quiet stretches of countryside. Here is our guide on the best historic battle sites to visit in the UK, with a brief look at the history of each bloody battle.

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Enter the abbey through the imposing 14th-century gatehouse, built as security against the French during the Hundred Years War, then collect an audio guide and follow it to the visitor centre. Hear the competing claims of noblemen from both sides, marvel at the size and weight of replica swords and shields, re-enact the battle using interactive exhibits and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of 14 October 1066 with a film narrated by TV historian David Starkey.

Rejoin the tour to the battlefield itself and stand on the high ridge occupied by the English forces – a position of strength from which they might have succeeded, had they not been outwitted by feigned Norman retreats and overpowered cavalry.

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The remains of the Undercroft at the historic Battle Abbey/Credit: Getty

Next stop is the abbey buildings. Most of what you see dates from the 13th century, with little of the original Norman architecture remaining. However, a visit to the novice chamber, with its marble pillars and vaulted ceiling, will give you some idea of the continuing wealth and status of the abbey, even in this later period. Bring your visit to a poignant conclusion with a pilgrimage to the spot where the chapel altar once stood – and where Harold supposedly fell; an event that marked the start of a new historical era.

It is possible to follow the 1066 Country Walk from Battle Abbey to the Norman landing site at Pevensey, but if reliving one of the most dramatic events in British history has left you battle-weary, track back to the visitor centre cafe or head to nearby tea rooms.

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Useful Information

Stay

The Powder Mills Hotel
This 18th-century house is set in 150 acres of grounds complete with woodland and a fishing lake.
Powdermill Lane, Battle TN33 0SP
01424 775511

Find out more

Battle Abbey
01424 775705
Adults £7.00, children £3.50.
Easter Fun event, with storytelling, egg trail and facepainting, Fri 2-Mon 5 April, 10am-6pm.