Women of 1066 Country Walk

About

We've all heard of William the Conqueror, but what about his powerful, English-speaking wife, Matilda?

To celebrate the launch of Starcroft Farm Cabins, stargazing cabins inspired by the lost voices of women in the 1066 story, we're holding a free guided walk by local writer and Battle Abbey tour guide, Robert Catt.

Starting at the cabins, we'll march into Battle along the 1066 Country Walk to see its famous Abbey. In May, this wooded stretch of the High Weald AONB is a true beauty, still adorned with bluebells and wild garlic if we're lucky.

Along the way we'll hear about the prominent but little-discussed women associated with this historic landscape and consider some alternative perspectives on existing narratives. From the mighty but almost forgotten Queen Emma to the Duchess of Cleveland, who dismayed at the 'London shopkeepers' perusing her flower beds as Battle Abbey became a tourist attraction in Victorian times - but nonetheless wrote the Abbey's first guide book.

One or two detours will allow us to explore some more illuminating local characters, such as Lucy Webster, one of the last of the eccentric Abbey-owning Webster family, who grew up in a grand house by Powdermill Wood and apparently caused quite a stir in the 1920s.

Our walk will last about 2 hours, with the option to finish with coffee at Battle Abbey and explore more there. The walk is easy to moderate with some uneven terrain and gentle inclines involved.

Non-cabin guests will find free parking available in Catsfield village car park, about a 10 minute walk from the starting point at Starcroft Farm Cabins.

Please note this is not a circular walk so you will need to make your own arrangements upon arrival in Battle. If you are planning on walking back to Catsfield, the village is about 3km straight back down the 1066 Country Walk.

Tickets are free but please book your place, with an optional donation to Parkinson's UK.

NB Entry to Battle Abbey (English Heritage) not included.