Step into the 1066 Battle of Hastings

On the 14^th of October 1066, the most famous battle in English history took place. Now, every October at Battle Abbey, English Heritage brings the Battle of Hastings to life. But this year - 2026 – exactly 960 years after the battle - it is going to be extra special.

For the first time in a millennium, the Bayeux Tapestry is back on English soil. Thousands of people will be flocking to London to see this incredible artifact and follow the story of that fateful day - a single day of bloody battle that would settle the future of the country for a thousand years.

1066 and all that.

The most celebrated year in English history begins with the death of King Edward the Confessor in January 1066. Wasting no time, his brother-in-law Harold Godwinson was crowned. What the new King lacked in royal blood, he made up for in power, influence, and fighting prowess.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, Duke William of Normandy was furious. He claimed that Edward had promised him the throne, and that Harold too had sworn to accept his claim. A dramatic showdown was inevitable. 

The throne of England was up for grabs, but William wasn’t the first invader to try his luck. In September, the last great Viking King – Harald Hardrada, king of Norway, landed with an army. Harold Godwinson raced North and defeated the Vikings once and for all at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, but down south, the coast was un-guarded.

William and his army landed on the Sussex coast at Pevensey on the 28^th September and began laying waste to the countryside. King Harold Godwinson turned his army around and marched to confront the new threat.

Less than three weeks later, the King of England met the Duke of Normandy on a hillside in Sussex. Each had a mighty army, and each was determined  the crown of England should be theirs. It would take a brutal, savage battle to decide who was right.

Here at Battle Abbey, on 10 and 11 October, you can see that story, the story of the Norman conquest, brought to life.

Why does it still matter?

The Battle of Hastings transformed England. From this date on, everything changed - the law, the language, the architecture, duty, power, our entire social hierarchy, all of it was turned upside down. England’s whole relationship with Europe shifted, so we’re still living with the consequences of William’s victory in the twenty-first century. If you remember one date in English history, this it! From the iconic Bayeaux Tapestry to TV dramas and to arrow-in-the-eye jokes, 1066 still captures the public imagination like no other battle.
 

Why Battle Abbey?

It happened here! The town of Hastings gave the battle its name, but the actual fighting took place on a hillside 7 miles to the north. There was no town or village here in 1066, but after the battle, William ordered an abbey to be built on the battlefield to commemorate his victory. With it grew the town of Battle. It’s here you can stand on the very spot King Harold died - the Harold Stone - the place where history changed forever

Plan your day

There’s so much to see and do, you’ll need to spend the whole day here. 

Stepping through the gates is to step back in time, as the music and the smell of woodsmoke transports you back a thousand years. Meet the Normans and Saxons as they prepare for battle, explore their camps and chat to them as they cook their food, sharpen their weapons, and polish their armour. You might even bump into King Harold or Duke William as they plan their strategy and rally their troops.

And don’t just watch – get hands-on. Get your eye in with have-a-go archery or get creative painting your own shield. Pick a side – the Normans or the Saxons? And get a flag to wave as you cheer them on.

Watch out for the cavalry as mounted knights will be demonstrating their skills throughout the day. Get ready to feel the earth shaking and your heart pounding as the Norman charge thunders towards you.

There’s a chance to discover the whole story of the Bayeux Tapestry – from the first medieval thread to the perils of the Second World War – with a hilarious play. You can even add your own stitch to a brand-new tapestry.

And make sure you take home a piece of history: you’ll find a great range of toys, books, gifts, and unique souvenirs. Check the historic market for replica weapons, hand-crafted ceramics and jewellery and authentic clothing.

But whatever you do - don’t miss the main event! Hundreds of Normans and Saxons warriors will recreate the Battle of Hastings blow by blow. The Saxon shield wall stands strong, but can the Normans smash their way through? There’ll be storms of arrows, charging knights on horseback, swinging axes, crashing steel on steel and fearsome war cries. You might already know how the story ends, but the action will take your breath away!
 

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