Battle
Battle in East Sussex Town Guide
About Battle in East Sussex
The attractive town of Battle gets it name from the Battle of Hastings, which was fought between Harold the Saxon king and William the Conqueror in 1066. The battle was so significant it changed the course of English history. The town grew up around the Abbey of St Martin which was built by William the Conqueror after the battle. It is said that William vowed that should he win the battle he would build such an abbey. The abbey was built between 1070 and 1094, and the high altar is believed to have been placed on the spot where Harold fell. Today the Abbey ruins and the battlefield are cared for by English Heritage and are well worth a visit. The imposing Abbey gatehouse built circa 1338 can be seen as you look down the length of the High Street.
Battle has some notable Georgian buildings along its High Street. The cottages and houses near the Abbey date from around 1700. The parish church of St Mary was built in Norman times and for the most part is 12th century in construction. It offers the visitor rare 14th century wall paintings and a Norman font amongst other things. At the Northern end of the High Street can be found the Almonry which was built in 1090 and now houses the Town Council and the Battle Museum of Local History.
What’s new?
Rush, Witt & Wilson
We are located in the heart of Battle High Street opposite the imposing Abbey, site of the 1066 Battle of … more
Listed in: Estate Agents
What’s on in Battle
Battle Health Walk
, 10:00am – 11:00am
Abbey Green, Battle
Category: Tours and Walks
Message Board
Calling Gardeners
I have a lot of crocosmia on offer. If anyone is interested in collecting it from me, let me know. … more
Help Finding an Old Friend – Sue Tibbles
Hi everyone, I need some help getting a message to an old friend, Sue Tibbles (this was her maiden name). … more
Attractions and Activities
1066 Cycle Club
Group of local people who enjoy cycling and want to improve cycling facilities in Battle, Robertsbridge, and the surrounding “1066” area.
Battle Recreation Ground
Play facilities include, for younger children, a castle themed play area, a play boat and springy horses; for older children & teens there is an area including a basket swing, aero skate and a sheltered seating pod. The recreation ground … more
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Fantastic family fun – 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield is an incredible day out where visitors can relive one of the most famous dates in history. Discover the events that took place with interactive exhibits and the dramatic … more
Accommodation
The George Hotel
Around 300 years old, The George Hotel provides comfortable accommodation for visitors to the historic town of Battle. You can visit the place where English history changed forever, and walk over the battlefield where William the Conqueror stood. The George … more
Powdermills Country House Hotel
In 150 acres of gardens, park and woodland, PowderMills is a Grade II listed 18th-century country house hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi, near the historical town of Battle. Built in the 18th century as a Gunpowder … more
Restaurants
De La Warr Pavilion
The first public Modernist building to be opened in the UK in 1935, this Grade 1 listed, internationally renowned icon re-opened after a £9m lottery funded restoration and redevelopment. It is now the South East region’s most significant centre for … more