Battle
This delightful, little town is where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066.
Discover the historical town of Battle, set against the fascinating backdrop of Battle Abbey.
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Battle was the location of the Battle of Hastings, where William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II in 1066. The town of Battle was progressively built around the Abbey of St Martin, which was constructed by William the Conqueror following his victory. It is believed that the high altar of the Abbey church was built on the spot where Harold died. The Abbey and the battlefields at the back of the Abbey are now cared for by English Heritage and make for a fascinating journey back in time to our famous past. Indeed, if you make the trip to Battle in the middle of October each year, you will be able to see a fantastic re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings.
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As well as its 1066 background, Battle also has history dating back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It was home to one of the biggest gunpowder mills in the country, supplying high quality gunpowder to British ships during the Napoleonic wars. It is believed that this mill may have also provided some of the powder used in the Guy Fawkes' plot.
Battle has many fine examples of Georgian architecture throughout its main High Street. Cottages and houses that neighbour the Abbey date back to the beginning of the eighteenth century. These days, Battle has a delightfully unspoilt, old-fashioned high-street containing lots of small, independent shops and attractions.
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Yesterday's World is a very popular tourist attraction in Battle, sending you back in time to centuries gone by. They boast over 100,000 genuine historical artefacts on display from the last 100 years in their 15th century hall-house, located opposite Battle Abbey in the high street.
If you are looking for great places to eat out, you certainly don't go short on choice in Battle with a wealth of restaurants serving delicious food for your palate.
Battle is a must-visit, so add it to your itinerary when you visit 1066 Country.
