1066 signalled a major crux in the Middles Ages, when Anglo-Saxon England was conquered by the illegitimate son of a Norman Duke. Edward the Confessor died, sparking a three-way battle for the English throne. William, Duke of Normandy, boasting a very tenuous claim to the throne, landed on the south coast and overthrew King Harold's army at the famous Battle of Hastings. Visit Pevensey, where William landed. Walk the battlefield trail at Battle to encounter carved wooden sculptures depicting Norman and Saxon soldiers and explore the atmospheric abbey, built by William soon after the conquest. Dig deeper into the past in the interactive exhibition and head to the gatehouse roof for stunning views over the battlefield. Explore other Norman castles still standing today, nearly 1000 years on.
