Battle in East Sussex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Battle Formation
— Battle of Hastings, 1066 —
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 9, 2018
1. Battle Formation Marker
On the top of this hill are arrayed the English forces of Harold Godwinson, who was crowned king just nine months before. He has marched at great speed south from Yorkshire, where he has just defeated and killed Harald Hadraada, a Danish rival to the throne. His army is exhausted from the campaign and its full force is not yet gathered, but fresh men are arriving all the time to swell its numbers.
Facing the English on the opposite side of the valley are the troops of William, duke of Normandy. His army has travelled by land and sea to arrive here. An invader in hostile territory, William's intention is to force a decisive battle with Harold.
The English form a defensive shield wall and await the assault of the Norman army. You have two choices here. Turn right, and you can walk around the battlefield and follow the events as unfold over the course of 14 October 1066. Or go straight ahead along the terrace and get an overview of what happened on that day.
( photo caption )
- William (on the extreme left) addresses his men and orders them to advance against the English line. He bears a club as a symbol of authority.
Detail
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events.
Location. 50° 54.836′ N, 0° 29.079′ E. Marker is in Battle, England, in East Sussex. Marker can be reached from the intersection of High Street and Park Lane, on the right when traveling south. Located along the battlefield path at the Battle of Hastings Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Battle, England TN33 0AD, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Norman Attack (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The First Norman Attack (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Outer Court (about 120 meters away); The Great Gatehouse (about 120 meters away); The Battle of Hastings and Battle Abbey (about 150 meters away); William the Conqueror Trail (about 150 meters away); a different marker also named Great Gatehouse (about 150 meters away); The Afternoon Assaults: Norman Trick Tactics (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battle.
Also see . . . English Heritage - 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield. (Submitted on January 16, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 9, 2018
2. Battle Formation Marker
The battlefield path begins at the gate
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 9, 2018
3. A wooden sculpture of an English soldier on the battlefield path
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 16, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
