Sussex gained its greatest importance during the Norman period. Before, during and after the conquest it played a great part in the events of that time. There was long before the invasion close ties with Hastings and Normandy, France. Indeed, this may well have determined the invasion plan of William the Conqueror. Before anything else is written here, let us make one thing clear. "The Battle of Hastings", was not fought at Hastings, but on Senlac Hill. This is now the town of Battle and where William built the Abbey in thanks to God for his victory. Why it is called the Battle of Hastings I do not know - If you think you do, let me know!

 

The Battle of Hastings 1066

 

This battle which altered the course of English history took place on the hills behind Hastings - See the Battle Abbey story for further details on this period.

 

 

The Saxon army, wearied by a long march from Yorkshire, where Harold had defeated a Danish invasion from the North sea, had taken up trenched positions on ground through which the High Street of the town of Battle now runs. In the centre, and protecting the flanks, were some two or three thousand strongly armed house-carls, but the bulk of the force consisted of poorly-armed levies from the south- eastern counties. Marshy ground separated the Saxon lines from the Normans, who occupied the ridge to the South of where the Abbey now stands.

This restricted the use of the cavalry, which William had brought across with his invasion fleet. For hours the Normans failed to break the Saxon lines, and it was not until the evening of this October day that victory was secured by two stratagems-a pretended flight which encouraged the heavy Saxon troops to break ranks and follow, and the shooting of arrows upwards, which, dropping from above, rendered useless the long Saxon body-shields.

 

The victory was absolute. The conflict of perhaps 30,000 men, during eight hours, and at a cost of a few thousand casualties, set England on a new course, with Sussex playing a large part in this.

Rapes of Sussex

Sussex was divided into Rapes to ensure the security of the routes with Normandy. Running North to South, each Rape was based on a port and controlled a highway to the North. Williams five most trusted Norman barons held a Rape, and strong castles were built to defend the harbours and ports.

 

The five Rapes of Sussex were centered at the following castles; Arundel, Bramber, Lewes, Pevensey and Hastings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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