There’s one date in English history that everyone knows – 1066, the year the invading Normans defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings. There is just as much myth surrounding the conflict as known fact. The two armies did not even fight at Hastings, but at a place north of the town now named Battle. In the ruins of the abbey that King William later built to commemorate the event, you can imagine you’re standing on the very spot where the defeated King Harold fell. These days, a free interactive audio tour re-creates the sounds of the battle, as you stand where the Saxon army watched the Normans advancing towards them. With the Saxons occupying the higher ground, the Normans were forced to fight uphill. The battle raged for some hours with neither side gaining an advantage, until its course was decided when the Normans pretended to flee, but then turned back to cut down the Saxons who had broken ranks in pursuit. Open battle raged until the death of Harold, possibly through an arrow in his eye as depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.  In 1070, after William had ruthlessly crushed all opposition to his rule, he founded Battle Abbey to atone for the loss of life during the conquest.

Today, substantial portions of the abbey buildings remain, but little of the early Norman structure. Best preserved and most impressive of all is the Great Gatehouse, built C. 1338, the finest of all surviving medieval abbey entrances. The west range of the monastic cloister, incorporating the medieval Great Hall of the abbots, was adapted as a country house by Tudor and Georgian owners after Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.  The battlefield and abbey were purchased for the nation in 1976 with a generous gift from the US

The parkland of Battle Abbey in East Sussex includes the ground believed to be the site of the great battle fought in 1066.  The ornamental park, essentially a creation of the 18th and 19th centuries, contains a number of earlier features, including quarries and ponds probably associated with the Norman abbey built in the wake of the conquest.  The investigation of the area has identified some post-medieval garden features and the 'landscaping' of earlier quarries to make them look like more attractive natural hollows.  Research has shown that a garden terrace along the south side of the abbey follows the line of a medieval 'park pale', or deer park boundary fence. Extensive remains of 'ridge-and-furrow' arable fields, representing at least two phases of cultivation, have been mapped.

This is a truly magnificent location for paranormal investigators, a place so steeped in history and mystery. One might well imagine that such an old building would contain a host of ghosts?  It is said that the Abbot's House  is haunted by at least three visible apparitions and at least two unseen!  In the huge Common House constructed as a vast dining room for visiting dignitaries as well as the inmates, a Norman knight has been seen.  Another knight is said to be seen walking across the battlefield.

In and around the grounds footsteps have been heard and the apparition of  'a lady in red'.  There have also been sightings of a grey lady, to this day the identities of these two ladies are unknown.  Horses hooves are heard and uncomfortable feelings are felt by the magnificent arched gatehouse.  The ruined cloisters and terrace are said to house paranormal entities.  We are hoping to find out more when we investigate Battle Abbey...

This event includes: Exclusive Access to Battle Abbey* and surrounding grounds Supper Buffet & Refreshments Psychic Workshop Demonstration and full use of Ghost Hunting Equipment Ghost Walk with Medium & Historian Vigils & Experiments Discussion of findings *Abbots House is a private school and we are unable to gain access

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