Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

The Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings were the occasion of much slaughter and suffering for which William the Conqueror carried responsibility. In order to atone for his actions he built a religious house on the site of the battlefield where the English were defeated, and it is said that the altar of the abbey church was placed at the spot where Harold fell. The Abbey is now in the care of English Heritage and is the focus of a comprehensive memorial to the events of 1066. The village of Battle is north of the town of Hastings, and is reached by turning off the A21 onto the A2100. The Abbey is at the south end of the High Street and is open daily, except for Christmas and New Year's Day. For information telephone 01424 773792.

See also: Hastings; Harold; William

Related Reading:

• Campaigns of the Norman Conquest
  (Essential Histories 12)