Battle in East Sussex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Battle of Hastings and Battle Abbey
— Battle of Hastings, 1066 —
The Battle of Hastings and Battle Abbey
The Battle of Hastings was fought here on 14 October 1066. It is the most famous battle on English soil and its outcome had a profound impact on the history of England.
William the Conqueror's victory over Harold Godwinson marked the end of Anglo-Saxon England. The Norman Conquest introduced a new ruling class in church and state, new landowners, laws and architecture.
In 1070 Battle Abbey was founded here to commemorate the Norman victory, and as an act of penance for the bloodshed of the conquest of England. Over the following centuries the abbey became rich and important and a town sprang up around it. After the Dissolution of 1538 it was turned into a country estate. It remained in private hands until 1976, when it was acquired for the nation. Today parts of the abbey are used as a school.
In the visitor centre you can find out about the dramatic end of Anglo-Saxon England and the Battle of Hastings. You can then walk over the battlefield tracing the course of the battle before seeing the ruins of Battle Abbey. End your visit by looking inside the gatehouse at the museum full of finds from the abbey and the later country estate.
1 Entrance, tickets and shop
2 Visitor Centre and ‘1066: the Battle for England' exhibition
3 Gatehouse museum and discovery centre
4 Undercrofts
5 Latrine block
6 Dormitory range with novices' chamber and common room
7 Crypt
8 Site of abbey church and high altar
9 Cloister
10 Abbot's great hall
11 Precinct wall
12 Dairy and icehouse
13 Walled garden
• Restaurant
• Light lunches and refreshments
• Licensed
• Toilets
• Car park
• Picnic area
Routes including information panels and audio tours:
Battlefield walk full tour 30-40 minutes over variable terrain
Battlefield walk short tour 15-20 minutes
Easy route (some steps) 30-40 minutes
Wheelchair route
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant day of the year for for this entry is October 14.
Location. 50° 54.894′ N, 0° 29.153′ 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 the tower of the Battle Abbey Museum 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. Great Gatehouse (here, next to this marker); Battle town and the abbey’s estates (a few steps from this marker); On the very spot (a few steps from this marker); William the Conqueror Trail (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Great Gatehouse (a few steps from this marker); The Outer Court (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cloister (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The 11th-century Church (about 120 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.)
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 383 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 16, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.