Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

Senlac Hill

North of Hastings, at a place now called Battle, where Battle Abbey stands, a ridge runs from west to east connected to another hill, Caldbec Hill, by a narrow neck of ridge going north. The southerly ridge is Senlac Hill, on which Harold Godwinsson and his housecarls, together with his brothers Gyrth and Leofwine and their followers, fought to the death on 14 October 1066 in what has become known as the Battle of Hastings. An invasion by William the Bastard, Duke of Normandy, had been expected all summer, but the service owed by the fyrd was limited and the fleet could not be kept a sea forever. In the first week of September the watch on the south coast was withdrawn, but at the same time Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinsson invaded in the north. Harold defeated them after a remarkable march at the battle of Stamford Bridge, but William seized his opportunity to invade, landing at Pevensey and moving on to Hastings. Harold hurried south and on the evening of 13 October gathered his men at Caldbec Hill, possibly intending a surprise attack on William at Hastings. However the Normans learnt of their presence and advanced to meet them. The battle lasted all day and the advantage swayed from one side to another. The solid defensive position of the English may have been jeopardized by such tricks as feigned flight employed by the Norman knights, but as evening came Harold was killed and his men killed or put to flight. The story is told in vivid pictorial from in the Bayeux Tapestry. The battlefield is, as a result of a gift from the USA, the property of the nation and in the care of English Heritage. Telephone the Visitor Centre on 01424 773792 for details of opening times for visitors.

Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

Senlac Hill

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