Battle Abbey
The quaint village of Battle just outside Hastings is dominated by the 14th Century gatehouse of the Abbey built by William the Conqueror to commemorate his victory over the Saxon king Harold on 14th October 1066. To further legitimise his win, William even had the altar of the Abbey built on the very spot that Harold fell dead, shot through the eye with an arrow, today identified by a plaque.
Within the Abbey grounds an excellent visitor centre outlines the Saxon and Norman claims to the English throne and interprets the events leading up to the battle, from Harold’s fight with the Vikings in the north followed by his army’s hasty march south to meet with William’s forces. An audio guide takes you around the ruins of the Abbey with commanding views of the battle scene, telling how William’s Norman army though outnumbered defeated the Saxons weary from their fight and long march from the north in a gruelling day long battle.
The outcome of the Battle of Hastings was to alter the destiny of Britain and bring huge social change throughout the British Isles as the new order of Norman rule was established throughout the land.
This was to be the last successful invasion of England , a tale famously depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry in Normandy, France. 1066 a year to remember and a most poignant one for Britain.
Opening Hours:
| Dates | Opening Times |
Opening Days |
| 21 Mar - 30 Sep |
10am - 6pm | Mo, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun |
| 1 Oct - 31 Mar |
10am - 4pm |
Mo, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun |
| Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan |
Entrance Fees:
Adult: £6.40; Children: £3.20; Concession: £5.10; English Heritage Members: Free; Groups:Family £16.00
