Photo source: Jim, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield is a historic building in East Sussex, cared for by English Heritage. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield
On 14 October 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II on this stretch of Sussex hillside and changed the course of English history in a single afternoon.
Battle Abbey and its battlefield, near the East Sussex town that takes its name from the fight, now form one of English Heritage's most visited sites.
The abbey's high altar is said to have been positioned on the exact spot where Harold died, and visitors can walk the battlefield where the two armies clashed.
English Heritage has managed the site since the 1970s, and an audio tour guides visitors around the field and the surviving abbey buildings.
History of 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield
William the Conqueror ordered the abbey built as an act of penance after his victory, with the high altar reputedly marking the spot where Harold fell. Building began within a few years of the battle and the church was consecrated around 1094. The Benedictine community was dissolved in 1538 under Henry VIII, and the site passed into private hands, eventually coming to the Webster family, who held it for generations before parts were transferred into state care. Battle Abbey School now occupies a portion of the former monastic buildings, while English Heritage looks after the ruins, gatehouse and battlefield.
Architecture of 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield
The Great Gatehouse is the best-preserved part of the abbey and a striking example of Perpendicular Gothic design in flint and stone.
Plan your visit to 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield
Nearest station: Battle Rail Station (0.5 miles)
Places to visit near 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield
Historic places nearby
Within 5 miles of 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield there are 1 historic properties, including 1 historic building.
Within 10 miles of 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield there are 6 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, 2 castles and 2 gardens, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield there are 21 historic properties, including 5 castles, 5 historic buildings and 5 historic houses, across National Trust, Historic Houses and English Heritage sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near 1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey and Battlefield.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
Walk the actual field where William of Normandy's victory in 1066 reshaped England in a single day.
- Type
- historic building
- Location
- East Sussex, England
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