As an historical event, the Battle of Hastings is misleadingly named. A pleasant seaside town on the south coast of England, Hastings has its fair share of piers, arcade rides, and fish-and-chip shops.
But the clash of 955 years ago, which ended the Anglo-Saxon era and replaced it with the rule of the Normans, actually took place seven miles inland. The village near the site today is straightforwardly known as ‘Battle’.
That said, Duke William of Normandy’s forces did land very near Hastings in late September 1066, using the fort there as a base after their perilous cross-Channel journey. A previous attempt earlier in the summer had failed because of strong winds. But William was determined. After all, he believed himself cheated out of his claim to the English throne.
War Classics: ‘The Face of Battle’