Battle of Hastings Reenactment Sat 13 & Sun 14 Oct 2012
thrill to the ringing clash of the Saxon shield wall, the soft hiss of Norman arrows and the thunder of hooves beating the song of Harold’s death knell on Senlac’s bloodied turf. Your heart will drum and your blood rise as these modern parodies re-enact the ancient curve in England’s history. On 14th October 1066, a place called Senlac Ridge became the site of the most famous battle to take place on our soil. An event so significant it completely changed the course of English history – and today the Battle of Hastings is probably the one event in history that every adult and child can recall. For those of you who’s history is a little rusty I will briefly remind you of the days events that led to this area becoming known as 1066 Country.
The invading Normans led by William the Conqueror fought King Harold and his Anglo-Saxon army at the Battle of Hastings. It all ended with a rather unfortunate incident with an arrow, leaving William the Bastard (William was the illegitimate son of Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy) as the first Norman King of England. If that wasn’t enough he had the Bayeux tapestry woven as a reminder of he’s exploits just to rub it all in.
Visit Battle Abbey on the 13th-14 October 2012 and witness the atmosphere and tension of conflict once again as the Saxons and Normans with hundreds of troops, clash in the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings — on the very battlefield where it took place.
1066 – the most famous battle in England’s history – will be brought vividly to life by troops from a host of historical groups from Britain and across Europe. Mounted knights on horseback will authentically re-enact the doomed tactics employed by an exhausted King Harold and his weary men who had marched from Yorkshire to bravely face their enemy. Fearsome hand-to-hand combat and the galloping hooves of charging horses will add to the atmosphere and terror of the bloody battle, which ended in defeat by William Duke of Normandy.
From 10am to 4pm each day, visitors can immerse themselves in every aspect of 11th century life – for both soldiers and ordinary folk – as authentic period crafts are sold from over 60 stalls in an historical market and a living history encampment depicts the daily toil for those living on both sides of the Channel. As women cook over open fires and tend their children, soldiers will make chain mail and hone their weapons skills while mounted knights give cavalry displays in preparation for battle at 3pm each afternoon.
Birds of prey will provide thrilling flying sessions as their handlers offer 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.
Offering superb value, admission is Adults £16.00, Concessions: £14.50 Children £9.50, Family Ticket £41.50. English Heritage Members: Adults £8.50, Concessions £7.50, Children £4.50, Family Ticket £21.50. Pre-booking recommended. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 0870 333 1183 (Mon – Fri 8.30am – 5.30 Sat 9am – 5pm). Tickets will also be available to purchase at the event site on the day.
The Battle of Hastings reenactment really is one of the best family days out in history!
White Sand is just a short drive to Battle.
To buy tickets for this fantastic day out click here
Beside The Sea TV
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