The delightful little market town of Battle is situated just 6mi/10km from the South Coast, north of Hastings. Although nearly every schoolchild is taught that the battle in which William the Conqueror defeated the Saxon king Harold in 1066 was fought at Hastings, in fact this most notorious of encounters on English soil took place here, on the site of the town later named after it. To commemorate his victory, and in atonement for all the blood shed during his invasion, William built an abbey where his rival Harold fell. The finest portrayal of the battle itself is found on the famous Bayeux Tapestry, embroidered in the 11th century.
Remains of the foundations of the Norman church and a refectory are also found within Battle.
Herstmonceux Castle, (10mi/16km west of Battle), is a splendid 15th century moated and fortified, red brick Renaissance manor house. Until 1990 it was the home of the Royal Observatory, which moved there from its original site in Greenwich and has now been transferred to Cambridge.
Address: Herstmonceux Castle, Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN, England
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 10am-6pm
Guides: Guided tour available as optional extra.
Facilities: Gift shop, On-site accomodations, Restaurant or food service