Battle Abbey | 10 Places That Made England with Dan Snow
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- čas přidán 3. 10. 2023
- Join historian Dan Snow as he explores the places that shaped England’s story, in this exclusive series with History Hit. In this episode, Dan visits Battle Abbey in East Sussex, the site of an event that changed the course of England's story dramatically - the Battle of Hastings, in 1066.
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I helped re-enact the battle on the site, as a Norman archer, in 2000 and 2006. We only did it for an hour or two and we avoided any serious casualties, but in 1066 they were in deadly earnest and the battle lasted from 9am until night fell, with the English survivors retreating into the woods to the north. The hill would've been taller then - the top was levelled when the abbey was built.
It has been suggested that the battle would have spread further round to the east, where the main road is now, but with several thousand combatants on each side the English defensive line must surely have been wide, using the high ground of the ridge to impede the Norman attacks.
I think one crucial factor in the Normans' favour was that they had infantry, cavalry and archers; many of the the English may have ridden to the site, but they fought on foot. The Normans were able to rotate their different forces, allowing some to rest while others attacked; the English just had to stand there and take it. The English may also have had worse communications, leading to rash decisions taken by local commanders, whereas the Normans had riders who could co-ordinate and rally their troops, (though in my experience, the cavalry don't always take notice of orders!)
While it is true the "battle" lasted 9 hours in total it wasn't continuous. There was an initial contact at Tierce that lasted to Sext between the Huscarls and the Norman Army - See William of Poitiers account. William of Jumieges says that Harold was killed in the first assault but the monks record that they built the High Altar where one of the English standards fell to the ground not where Harold died. William of Poitiers(WP) also records that the Normana army slew thousands but "the main body did not seem diminished". Harold would have been with the main body as WP says that Harold died "beyond Nones". Scenes 53/54/55/56/57 and 58 of the Bayeux Tapestry. imo, therefore records the fight between the main body ( with the King embedded) and the Norman knights. so the main battle of the day started around Nones and ended at Vespers with the death of Harold ( See Carmen).
The days battle was a complex ballet that has been reduced to a hacking frenzy. And yes, the Norman use of horses did play an important part in their victory. While Harold was able to command the lower ranks to do his bidding,the haughty Huscarls continued to fight in the old fashioned way that led to their defeat. Happy to discuss further with anyone.
I'll never forget my time at Battle Abbey over a decade ago--it was utterly fascinating!
If I ever get to England to explore my heritage I'd definitely try to make it to Battle Abbey. 👍🇭🇲💙🇬🇧
Wednesday with Dan Snow is great 👍
"Wearily to the last battle they strode
Onward through day and through night
To death they did go but they let them know the power of Angelisc might
Together they walked and together they'd fall
Under the Autumn sky
With victory song behind shield-wall strong
They slashed and they battered with pride
Over river and stream and through forest and field
They marched with fire in their eyes
Wiping the sweat from their brows
For miles they had fared and no effort was spared
On the day when our England died
Over river and stream and through forest and field
We'll march with fire in our eyes
Like the forefathers of old
For miles we shall fare and no effort we'll spare
Till the day when our England's revived"
"When our england died" Song by Forefather.
YOU GO, DAN SNOW! 👏🏽
I saw the reenactment in 2016.
❤Amazing❤
3:20 Love the font! What's it called?
🙌🙌
my ancestor was killed there complaining about the Noise. was shut in the gut.