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The Battle of Hastings

With a heritage going back over many decades, Holts has become synonymous for high quality in-depth Battlefield and Historical tours. In the following collection of tours, we have focused on a selection of Historical tours covering a period of British History over the past centuries. All of these tours are led by Dr. Michael Jones, who has been guiding tours for over 20 years and his particular interest is in battlefield psychology.

Tour Includes

2 nights hotel with English breakfast
2 evening meals
Specialist Historical Guide
Travel by executive coach

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1066 is the one date in English history that most people remember. The year when the Saxon King Harold met in deadly battle his rival for the English crown, William Duke of Normandy. On this tour we will look at the history of the two claimants, the strength and weaknesses of the claims and the events that led to the invasion in October 1066. We will follow Duke William’s forces from their landing at Pevensey Bay, up to Senlac Hill. We will stand on the ridge where the Saxon shield wall several times repulsed the charging Norman cavalry and we will hear of the death of Harold and his brothers and how the Normans won the day. Having defeated the English forces, William consolidated his hold on the country, marching to London where he was crowned King on Christmas Day. He built castles as a sign of his power and religious houses in atonement for the loss of life during the conquest. The Normans changed the landscape and the lifestyle, the language and the laws of England and we are their heirs.

Meet at the Best Western Lansdowne Hotel by 14.00hrs for a welcome drink, introductory talk and dinner. Stay two nights in Eastbourne.

Includes Dinner

The landing at Pevensey Bay. We visit Pevensey Castle and look at the Landing of Pevensey Bay. We continue to the battlefield on Senlac Hilland then to Battle Abbey and museum.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

We visit Lewes Castle, begun in 1066 and Lewes Priory. Return to the hotel/station by 16.00hrs for departure.

Includes Breakfast

Your tour is led by Specialist Historical Guide Dr. Michael Jones who developed his love of history at Bristol University, and his interests range from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. He is the author of Bosworth 1485 - Psychology of a Battle and a battlefield guide to Agincourt. He has been guiding tours for over 20 years and his particular interest is in battlefield Psychology.

Accommodation

You will stay for two nights at the 3-star Best Western Lansdowne Hotel in Eastbourne. The hotel enjoys a enviable location on the seafront overlooking the Western Lawns, with views across to Beachy Head. The hotel has a bar, restaurant and lounge.