1066 - Relive where it happened - 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield

Etched in England's History - 1066 - Relive where it happened!

The English crown changed hands, a new country was born …1066, when the last Saxon monarch King Harold and William Duke of Normandy fought for the English throne – is forever etched into the country’s history.

Centuries on, the very field where the mighty battle took place at 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, will once again witness the atmosphere and tension of the conflict as the two mighty warriors with some 400 troops, including mounted knights on horseback, clash in the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings.

From 11am to 4pm each day, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in every aspect of 11th century life - for both soldiers and ordinary people alike - by wandering through a superb market with vendors selling authentic period crafts and watching living history displays of medieval entertainment and activities.

In an authentic tented campsite village, women will cook over open fires and tend their children, as Saxon warriors and Norman soldiers rub shoulders to talk about everyday family life, and their hopes and fears in the lead up to the battle scheduled for 3pm each afternoon.

Troops will hone their weapons skills and prepare for battle in hand to hand training sessions as mounted knights show their prowess in competition at the gallop and give presentations on saddlery and battle tactics.

Historical falconers will present a team of birds of prey during flying sessions and provide a fascinating insight to the events and politics which surrounded 1066 and the Bayeux Tapestry.

Visitors can try their aim during have-a-go archery sessions and children can take part in fun mock Battle of Hastings skirmishes which will be running during each day. To add to the atmosphere, music will resound in the beautiful acoustic of the abbey Novices’ Room just as the resident monks would have enjoyed.

Reduced entrance prices for English Heritage Members. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the dedicated Ticket Sales Team on 0870 333 1183 (Mon – Fri 8.30am – 5.30 Sat 9am – 5pm). Tickets will also be available to purchase at Battle Abbey on the day.