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Hastings prepares for 950th anniversary of historic battle Battle of Hastings anniversary marked 950 years on
(about 2 hours later)
Thousands of people are expected to descend on East Sussex to mark the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. Thousands of people, including 2,000 re-enactors dressed in costume, are marking the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
Battle Abbey, widely accepted as the site of one of the most famous events in British history, is the focus for a weekend of events. Battle Abbey, in East Sussex, is widely accepted as the site of one of the most famous events in British history, is the focus for a weekend of events.
The battle, between William of Normandy and Anglo-Saxon King Harold II, resulted in the English king's death. The battle, between William of Normandy and Anglo-Saxon King Harold II, ended in the English monarch's death.
Thousands of soldiers were killed on the historic date, 14 October 1066. Thousands of soldiers were killed on 14 October 1066.
They will be commemorated at a service later at Battle Church in Hastings. The dead will be commemorated at a service later at Battle Church in Hastings.
For more events in England visit our Pinterest boardFor more events in England visit our Pinterest board
A group of "warriors" recreating the 300-mile march made by King Harold to the battle site are also due to arrive in the town. A group of "warriors" recreating the 300-mile march made by King Harold to the battle site arrived during the morning.
They left York last month, travelling on foot and horseback and living in authentic Saxon and Norman camps along the way.
Discover more at BBC iWonder: Why should I care about 1066?Discover more at BBC iWonder: Why should I care about 1066?
Re-enactor Nigel Amos said: "In 300 miles we have seen some great countryside, met an awful lot of fantastic people and engaged with school groups.
"And we have got a feeling of what it would have felt like to have come that distance on that fateful march.
"This is a tribute to King Harold and all of the warriors of 1066 because they are what made this country."
King Harold defeated a Viking army at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in East Yorkshire, on 25 September, 1066, before travelling south to face the Normans.King Harold defeated a Viking army at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in East Yorkshire, on 25 September, 1066, before travelling south to face the Normans.
On 14 October, he fought and was killed at the Battle of Hastings.On 14 October, he fought and was killed at the Battle of Hastings.
William then seized the English throne.William then seized the English throne.
Roy Porter from English Heritage described it the final battle as a "cataclysmic" event.Roy Porter from English Heritage described it the final battle as a "cataclysmic" event.
"It changed English society, changed the way in which English politics worked, changes in architecture, the introduction of castles, the language we speak today is a result of 1066, that mixture of old English and French," he said."It changed English society, changed the way in which English politics worked, changes in architecture, the introduction of castles, the language we speak today is a result of 1066, that mixture of old English and French," he said.
Home Secretary and local MP Amber Rudd, along with Mayor of Falaise in Normandy, Eric Mace, will be among dignitaries from both sides of the English Channel marking the anniversary.Home Secretary and local MP Amber Rudd, along with Mayor of Falaise in Normandy, Eric Mace, will be among dignitaries from both sides of the English Channel marking the anniversary.
1066 and the Norman Conquest1066 and the Norman Conquest