Battle of Hastings

After walking the battlefield we decided we needed refreshment

and went into The Pilgrims Rest.

A restaurant and cafe opposite The Battle Abbey Gatehouse.

It was atmospheric and definitely Tudor.

The original Pilgrims rest was a 'Hospital' to the Abbey.

The monks who were from Marimouter in Alsace served

Pilgrims,travellers and any strangers that needed help.

The 12th Century, 'Chronicles of The Battle' mentions the 'House of Pilgrims'

and in 1340, The Pilgrims Rest is written in

The Abbey's Almoners Accounts.

Well , Stewart and myself needing a cup of tea

rested in the very Tudor Meeting Room.

The rooms we were sitting in were part of the 1420's

alterations and were very well done indeed.

Very atmospheric!

The staff were very hospitable.

See more information about The Pilgrims Rest

HERE

Battle of Hastings

On Wednesday morning Stewart and I went to 'Battle'!

Well! The Battlefield of 1066 at the town of Battle!

If you look at the map above Hastings is on the coast and

Battle, the actual Battleground of 1066 is inland.

The original castle was wooden and it was William,

that had the Abbey built on the grounds after the Battle.

It took 25 years to build and by the end of

William's reign it was one of the wealthiest Abbey's

in Britain.

Stewart and I did the walk around the Battlefield and as you can see

by the steepness of the hill the Norman soldiers had

a real struggle, to overcome and reach the top.

We live in Norfolk, which is known for it's flatness!

So this was a good walk/climb for us too!

It is always fun to get into the steps of History!

See more by visiting

www.english-heritage.org/battleabbey

This video is an animation of The Bayeux Tapestry