Name: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Address: High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AE
Telephone: 0370 333 1181

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1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield

Please note that the Battlefield walk will be closed from 3- 8 and 11 -13 October due to preparations for The Battle of Hastings re-enactment. Please accept our apologies for any disappointment this may cause.

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Keeping you Safe

What to Expect

The Battle of Hastings 9-10 October 2021

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Open Daily 10am - 5pm

See full prices and opening times

Address

High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AE

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What you need to know

We've made some changes to help keep you safe, and things might be a little different when you visit. Here's everything you need to know.

Do we need to Book?

You don’t need to book your ticket in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit.

If you are a Member and wish to book, your ticket is still free

Your booking is for the site/event only and does not guarantee a car parking space, which may carry an additional charge.

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Booking FAQs

How are you keeping us safe?

Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe. We’re continuing with enhanced cleaning and you’ll find hand sanitiser stations on site. Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same. You can also help us keep you and other visitors safe by not visiting if you have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate.

You can visit our reopening page for information on general safety measures we've taken to help keep you safe.

General Safety Information

Do I need to wear a face covering?

Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same.

Is there somewhere to park my car?

Yes - There is a large car park near the Abbey Gatehouse. Parking is free of charge for English Heritage members – please display your Member's car sticker. Parking charges apply to non-members. The fee is £4.00 for all day parking. You can buy a ticket from the machine at the car park or from our admissions point.

Please Note - If you have booked an advance ticket to visit Battle Abbey, your booking is for the site/event only and does not include a car parking space. You will still need to buy a ticket from the machine at the car park or from our admissions point.

I still have questions.

The answers to all frequently asked questions can be found on our FAQ page.

Read our FAQs

Summer Explorer Quest

This summer from 24 July, set off on a fun family adventure at Battle Abbey. We need your help to uncover the history of the abbey and battlefield – as our on-site reporter, can you explore the trail, find the missing stories and crack the secret code? Standard admission applies.

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Things to See and Do

Battle Abbey Timeline

14 October 1066Battle of Hastings

After a bloody battle lasting over nine hours from dawn until dusk, William of Normandy defeats King Harold of England on a battlefield 8 miles from Hastings.

Find out more about the Battle of Hastings

25 December 1066A New King

William is crowned King of England at Westminster.

1071Building the Benedictine Abbey

William builds the abbey on the northern ridge of the battlefield to atone for the bloodshed of battle. The high altar marks the spot where Harold was killed.

Find out more about the foundation of Battle Abbey

1095Royal Presence

On 11 February the finished church is dedicated in the presence of King William Rufus, the Archbishop of Canterbury, seven bishops and a huge crowd of nobles and courtiers.

13th CenturyDrastic Renovations

The first monastic buildings are almost entirely replaced with the ones that remain standing today.

Read a description of Battle Abbey

1348The Black Death

The Black Death reduces the abbey's population from 52 to 34.

1538Royal Suppression

Henry VIII suppresses the monasteries and gives the abbey to his friend Sir Anthony Browne. Browne demolishes much of the monastery to build a guest wing for his country house.

1721Battle and the Websters

Rich merchant and history buff Sir Thomas Webster buys Battle. It remains with his descendants for most of the next 250 years.

1780-1800Rake and the Gambler

The 4th baronet, Sir Godfrey Webster, a notorious rake and gambler, runs up huge debts and eventually shoots himself in London.

1812-20Running Debts

The 5th baronet, another gambler, throws himself into renovating the property. He too accumulates massive debts and is forced to flee his creditors. The estate is rented out.

1857-1900New Owners

Lord Harry Vane and his wife, the future Duke and Duchess of Cleveland, buy the estate. They spend vast amounts and receive many famous visitors.

1901-22A Webster Return

On the death of the duchess, Sir Augustus Webster buys the estate back, with help from his wife, Mabel, a rich carpet heiress.

1922-3Battle Abbey School

The abbey is leased to a school, which still occupies the buildings.

1931Fire Damage

Fire sweeps through the abbey causing serious damage. This is later repaired by restoration architect Sir Harold Brakespear, who also excavates part of the cloister.

1944Normandy Invasion

History comes full circle when many men stationed at Battle during the Second World War take part in the invasion of Normandy.

2007History Remembered

English Heritage completes the visitor centre, which explores the background and events of the Battle of Hastings.

Learn more about the Battle of Hastings and Battle Abbey

Nearby Places
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9.23 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
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10.83 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
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14.32 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield

Pevensey Castle
9.23 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Camber Castle
10.83 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Dymchurch Martello Tower
23.4 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield

Nearby Places
- Pevensey Castle
  9.23 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
- Camber Castle
  10.83 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
- Bayham Old Abbey
  14.32 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Similar Places
- Pevensey Castle
  9.23 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
- Camber Castle
  10.83 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
- Dymchurch Martello Tower
  23.4 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield