Battle in East Sussex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Chapter House
Photographed By Michael Herrick
1. The Chapter House Marker
Monks assembled here each morning to hear readings, including a chapter of the Rule of St Benedict, hence the room's name. Business matters were discussed, deeds or charters sealed and witnessed by all, and monks confessed their faults and were assigned penance.
Little remains of it, but excavations confirm that it was originally a simple apsidal-ended building. It remained largely unchanged after completion around 1100, although a century later, it was extensively modernised and given new windows.
Immediately south of the chapter house are the remains of the inner parlour. Silence was the normal rule and this was one of the very few rooms where monks were allowed to talk about essential matters. A doorway in its east wall led to the infirmary or monastic hospital.
Important members of the monastic community were buried in the chapter house. During excavations in 1978-1980 six graves were discovered. It is likely that one of them is that of Henry, second Abbot in 1096. According to the Chronicle of Battle Abbey he was buried in 1102 ‘before the president's seat in the chapter house.’
( photo caption )
- The 12th-century seal of the abbey, showing the
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Events.
Location. 50° 54.856′ N, 0° 29.248′ 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 next to Battle Abbey 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. Parlour (a few steps from this marker); The Refectory (a few steps from this marker); The Dormitory (a few steps from this marker); The Cloister (a few steps from this marker); The 11th-century Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The High Altar of Battle Abbey (within shouting distance of this marker); Dairy and Icehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); East Range of Cloister (within shouting distance of this marker). 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 30, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 9, 2018
2. The Chapter House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 185 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 30, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
