Hastings Battlefield and Abbey, East Sussex (East Sussex)

William the Conqueror founded 'Battle' Abbey to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Guided tours Information provided Learning facilities Children's play area

Food and Drinks Tea Room

Introduction

Perhaps the most famous date in English history - 1066 is the year the Normans defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror founded 'Battle' Abbey to commemorate his victory: here, on the site of its high altar, you can stand at the very spot where King Harold of England fell.

Now an imaginative exhibition here: 1066:The Battle for England, brings the background and impact of this renowned conflict vividly to life. Founded on the battle site (in fact some seven miles north of Hastings), Battle Abbey enjoyed great wealth and special privileges as the symbol of Norman triumph. Though little of its original Norman structure survives, you can still see many later monastic buildings, including the dormitory range with its fine vaulted novices' chamber. The west range, incorporating the abbots' Great Hall, was converted into a mansion after Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, and is now a school. Best preserved and most impressive of all is the Great Gatehouse, rebuilt in about 1338 and among the finest surviving monastic entrances in Britain. The battlefield - later part of the abbey's Great Park - and abbey were purchased for the nation in 1976.

Visit the abbey museum, which explores the history of the abbey and includes artefacts found on site during excavations. The Discovery Centre, housing an activity-based exhibition, is available to pre-booked school parties, and open to families at weekends and throughout the school holidays. There is also a themed children's outdoor play area.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Hastings Battlefield and Abbey, Sussex, East Sussex, , United Kingdom

Address: Battle, East Sussex. TN33 0AD

Opening Times:

1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan CLOSED.

Admission Fees:

Adult:£6.70

Children:£3.40

Concession:£5.70

Family £16.00

All photos are copyright English Heritage Photograph Library.

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