1066 Battle of Hastings

We had been saying that we would go to the annual Battle of Hastings re-enactment, for years. This time, spurred on by one of the children, we went. It was definitely worth going despite or perhaps, because of the copious mud adding to the atmosphere.

The event takes place on Senlac Hill, in Battle near Hastings, England where the actual battle took place. Surrounding the battlefield were the camps of the Normans and English 

as well as some relatively authentic shops. We managed to avoid most of their blandishments!

There was plenty of opportunity to see the opposing armies. Plenty I hadn't appreciated such as what a new and fearsome weapon, cavalry was to the English. We had an interesting discussion about this, later, at home, in view of the much older stories about Boadicea and the Ancient Britons.

And there was mud-so much mud probably authentic for a battlefield. Some of the foot soldiers fell during their march. They weren't the only people to slip either!

The actual re-enactment of the battle was impressive with arrows flying and the armies in the positions that they held on 14th October 1066. There was a commentary which was great for the children and for people who, like me, easily loose the plot on these occasions. Judging by the war cries, most of us supported the English who, of course, lost. 

Post-Norman conquest Battle Abbey just above the battlefield

A great day out and a wonderful way to learn history. The children enjoyed their day apart from occasional woes from rather too close encounters with the mud.