Battle

As a former history teacher I can honestly tell you that memorizing a lot of dates and names is almost always a waste of time if you want to learn about history. Almost. There are some dates and names that you must know and they usually are connected in some way. In the United States one example is George Washington and July 4, 1776. For the English there is not a date or person more significant than October 14, 1066 and William the Conqueror. So naturally we had to visit Hastings to see the place where WIlliam and his Norman forces triumphed over Harold and the Saxons.

  The battle actually took place a short distance from the seaside town of Hastings in a field

surrounded by woods. This place is now known as the town of Battle. Self guided tours around the battlefield come with wood caeved knights next to signs that indicate significant moments in the battle. An outline remains of the church William had built to honor the dead of both sides. He specifically directed that the altar be built over the sight where King Harold had died,(an arrow through the eye, ouch).

This battle was the last successful conquest of Britain. It also introduced new language, culture and systems of government that spread worldwide as a result of British Colonization. This one day has had a tremendous impact on much of the world making it a date worth remembering.

A plaque marks the spot of Haeolds death