A remarkable colour film capturing the very first regular Battle of Hastings reenactment in 1966 has been restored after almost 60 years – and will be shown to the public for the first time in decades at this weekend’s Battle of Hastings reenactment at Battle Abbey in East Sussex.

The original footage was filmed by Alan Wootton and his team. Alan and his wife Mary owned an electronics company based in Hastings and had developed an affordable ecosystem for adding sound to silent home movies. The 1966 reenactment was staged to mark the 900^th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and was one of many celebratory events taking place locally that year. Alan had been invited to capture a film record of the celebrations by Hastings Town Council. The film offers a unique glimpse of what was, at the time, a pioneering attempt to recreate England’s most famous battle. Indeed, its success led to the reenactment becoming an annual event, now held by English Heritage each October at Battle Abbey.

Following Alan’s death, his wife Mary gave all his 300 reels of film to their son Cliff who has been gradually reviewing, processing and enhancing them. Ahead of the 2026 anniversary, Cliff has released the film – now accompanied by a soundtrack from historical musician Jonny Dyer - to English Heritage, ensuring that this extraordinary piece of national reenactment history could be preserved and shared by the charity with future generations. The footage is likely to raise a few eyebrows amongst modern audiences. It includes scenes of rowdy reenactors marching down Battle High Street, with soldiers on foot getting remarkably close to horses – and what can only be described as a rather relaxed attitude towards health and safety.

Cliff Wootton and his brother Den were involved throughout the filming in 1966, helping their father as sound recordists. Cliff said:

“I was just 12 years old but Dad had me helping him at the 1966 reenactment, so I was right there in the middle of it all. I remember it being a huge event and it was fascinating to work on the footage again after all these years. We’re hugely proud of what Dad and Mum achieved with their film and sound equipment, and are delighted that English Heritage will be showing it to so many other people who share an interest in this fantastic piece of British history.”

The discovery has also prompted English Heritage to launch a search for people who took part in the 1966 reenactment. The charity is encouraging anyone who remembers participating to come forward.

James Witcombe, English Heritage site manager for Battle Abbey, said:

“This film is an incredible time capsule. It captures not only the first regular Battle of Hastings reenactment but also the atmosphere of an event that continues, to this day, to bring history to life for thousands of people almost 1,000 years after the original battle. Some of what we see in Alan’s film is certainly a reminder of just how much reenactment – and health and safety – has changed over the past 60 years! We will be showing it in the school library during this year’s Battle of Hastings reenactment and know that our visitors will love this insight into the origins of the event.”

“We would love to hear from anyone who took part in that first event. We know that many of the original foot soldiers were recruited from Sussex and Kent Universities but have no record of names. If you recognise yourself, or a friend or relative, in the footage, please get in touch. We’d love to invite surviving 1966 reenactors to join us as special guests at this weekend’s reenactment – now in its 60^th year.”

The 60^th annual reenactment of the Battle of Hastings will be held at Battle Abbey in East Sussex on 10 and 11 October 2026. Hundreds of reenactors now take part each year, recreating Norman and Saxon camps and giving visitors an insight into everyday life for people almost 1,000 years ago.

Tickets for the reenactment are available to purchase here.

You can also download the Bloomberg Connects Guide to Battle Abbey for free.