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Battle, East Sussex

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

One might naturally assume that the Battle of Hastings, that pivotal conflict which changed the course of English History, took place at Hastings. Well, it didn't, it took place at the attractive and entirely aptly named town of Battle.

The site of the battle was on Senlac Hill, and to this day a legend persists that after a heavy rain the hill seeps red from blood deep within the earth (though a more likely explanation for any red colouring is the presence of iron oxide in the soil, but that's not nearly so compelling a story!). When William, Duke of Normandy emerged from the battle victorious, one of his first acts was to found a Benedictine abbey on the site. Battle Abbey was consecrated in 1094, and during the medieval period it was one of the most powerful monastic settlements in the south of England. Within the extensive abbey grounds is a stone said to mark the spot where Harold fell (not from an arrow in his eye, as tradition goes, but that's another story!).

Just outside the abbey gates is the market place, where an old bull ring marks the spot where animals were 'baited' for entertainment in the Middle Ages. A short stroll up Battle High street from the market brings you to the Battle Museum of local History, with displays covering the heritage and social history of the area. The local historical society has also placed plaques on many of the historic buildings in town, making a stroll up the High Street a journey through history.
Battle, East Sussex, England

About Battle
Attraction Type: Town
Location: 6 miles north east of Hastings, on the A2100
Location map
OS TQ745165

Heritage Highlight: Battle Abbey, situated on the site where William the Conqueror and his Normans overcame the Saxons of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Battle Museum - 0.3 miles (Museum) Yesterdays World, Battle - 0.5 miles (Museum) Battle Abbey - 0.6 miles (Abbey) St Thomas a Becket, Brightling - 4.7 miles (Church) Bexhill Museum - 5.4 miles (Museum) Hastings Museum - 5.8 miles (Museum) Ewhurst Green, St James the Great - 6.1 miles (Church) Bodiam Castle - 6.2 miles (Castle)

Nearest Towns and Villages Brightling - 4.4 miles away Northiam - 7 miles away Sandhurst - 7.5 miles away Hawkhurst - 7.8 miles away Newenden - 8.7 miles away Benenden - 10.6 miles away Rolvenden - 11.2 miles away Rye - 11.2 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Battle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The Lodge - 5.7 miles from Battle Dallington, East Sussex Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £300

Seaview Cottage - 7.1 miles from Battle Normans Bay, East Sussex Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £320

Winterborne - 9.5 miles from Battle Pevensey, East Sussex Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £190

More Self Catering near Battle

Nearest Hotels

The George Hotel - 0.2 miles from Battle Battle, East Sussex Stay from: £35.00

Abbey Hotel - 0.4 miles from Battle Battle, East Sussex Stay from: £60.00

Powdermills Hotel - 1.3 miles from Battle Battle, East Sussex Stay from: £75.00

More Hotels near Battle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Claverton Country House - 2.9 miles from Battle Battle, East Sussex From: £60.00

Claverton Country House - 3.1 miles from Battle Sedlescombe, East Sussex

Tower House 1066 - 5.3 miles from Battle Hastings, East Sussex From: £115.00

More bed and breakfasts near Battle

Battle
Tourist Information Centre
Battle Abbey
High Street
Battle
East Sussex
England
TN33 0AD
Tel: 01424 773721
Fax: 01424 773436
Email: battletic@rother.gov.uk
Web: http://www.battletown.co.uk/
Map