The Battle of Hastings and Battle Abbey

1066 - Battle of Hastings - William the Conqueror.... most people were taught at school about this moment in English history. 

Hubby and I took the train for a day out in Battle to discover more about the French Invasion. Battle Abbey is an English Heritage site including the Battlefield, although parts of it are now a private school. 

With our audio guides, and headphones, we set off to walk the battlefield. In brief William had landed at Pevensey and his troops advanced inland. Harold was on the higher ground but his troops were fatigued as they had just fought off the northern invasion at Stamford Bridge.

Harold's view looking down the hill 

William's view looking up the hill although there were no buildings there in 1066.

It was a lovely path around the site, some question whether this is the actual field but it was certainly in this area. 

The audio guide was very good, each panel added to the drama of the battle. In great detail we listened to how each army had different weapons and fighting styles. We also heard about the various tactics used by William and how Harold was eventually killed, supposedly by an arrow in his eye.

All along the path were amazing wooden carved soldiers with various armour. They looked so real, super craftsmanship. 

So many lost their lives that day, it's easy to think of historic battles as adventurous, exciting, even thrilling, but those soliders had families just as we do today... I found it quite sad in many ways. 

We have visited Bayeux in France and marveled at the tapestry depicting the battle, we hope to visit again later this year which will have added interest now as we have seen where the battle took place. 

There was a bit of a fracas about how William took the throne of England, even though he insisted Edward had promised it to him, swearing on a relic he wore around his neck. The Pope at the time was displeased, and insisted William build an Abbey in honour of Harold. 

It is now a ruin but would have been quite a building standing high on the hill. The outline of the church has a huge stone laid on the spot where Harold was killed. The undercroft is amazing and shows the 1000 year old construction methods.

The gatehouse stands proud above the small town of Battle. It is the entrance to the school so has limited access, English Heritage visitors have their own entrance. This photo was taken from inside the grounds, you can climb to the top of the towers which Hubby did whilst I stayed on terra firma, can you see him? 

The school has markings of the previous buildings when the Abbey covered quite a large area. It's an impressive building that is now the home of Battle Abbey School, a coeducational day and boarding school for second salary aged pupils. 

We had a super day exploring both the battlefield and the abbey with our headphones and audio guides; another great day out with English Heritage.