Battle: The Abbey and the Battlefield

There are certainly older structures in England. After all, this spot as a place of significance has only existed since 1066 and the structures are hundreds of years more recent. Still, this is a place that carries such historical weight that it is hard to imagine another place that can compare based on a single day's activities.

On 14 October, 1066, William and Harold, each with a army of 5,000-7,000 men, met at this location for battle. Ever since, this place has been called Battle in honor of this momentous event. The history of England was totally altered in one day. The world today would be completely different were this battle to have a different outcome.

We typically call the battle, the Battle of Hastings. Hastings is the seaside town about 14 miles south of this site and hence the name. While small, Hastings is much larger and the small village of Battle.

A church was built here in 1070 on the spot where Harold fell to honor this spot. What we see today are the remains of the subsequent Benedictine abbey built in the 13th century. The original was built with the original church in 1070. It was abandoned in the time of Henry VIII. Parts of it were restored in the 16th century to be a country manor. Later restoration occured in the 19th century and a girls school was installed. It is this school you see below.

Out along the south wall of the abbey we see today benches to sit and take in the history of the place.

Just across the walkway in front of the benches is the hill that William led his Norman men up in their attack of Harold's Saxon army. Fighting raged all day. As the day waned, it was clear the that the Normans had the upper hand. In the final push, Harold was killed and the battle won. The altar of the 1070 church was built where Harold fell.

Today, we find Elizabeth exploring the defensive works that all 13th century places, including abbeys, had.

However, the abbey was a friendlier place than in Harold's day and several storerooms are found on this side of the wall as well as stairs leading to the main outdoor level.