Epic 300-mile journey comes to an end in Battle

After three weeks and 300 miles, a group of '˜warriors' taking part in a march to echo King Harold's journey to the Battle of Hastings, are due to reach their final destination this morning (Friday).
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Oct 2016, 09:55 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 17:00 BST

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English Heritage re-enactors prepare to leave Clifford's Tower ahead of a three week 300 mile journey south recreating King Harold's final journey to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This year marks the 950th anniversary of the Norman Conquest and the marchers will pass through Lincoln and London on the way to Battle arriving on the 14th October, in time for the annual battle re-enactment which takes place on the weekend of the 15th/16th October. Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross for English Heritage SUS-160929-143853001English Heritage re-enactors prepare to leave Clifford's Tower ahead of a three week 300 mile journey south recreating King Harold's final journey to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This year marks the 950th anniversary of the Norman Conquest and the marchers will pass through Lincoln and London on the way to Battle arriving on the 14th October, in time for the annual battle re-enactment which takes place on the weekend of the 15th/16th October. Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross for English Heritage SUS-160929-143853001
English Heritage re-enactors prepare to leave Clifford's Tower ahead of a three week 300 mile journey south recreating King Harold's final journey to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This year marks the 950th anniversary of the Norman Conquest and the marchers will pass through Lincoln and London on the way to Battle arriving on the 14th October, in time for the annual battle re-enactment which takes place on the weekend of the 15th/16th October. Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross for English Heritage SUS-160929-143853001

English Heritage organised the trek on horseback and foot from York to Battle to mark the 950th anniversary of the famous clash.

The men received a rapturous reception as they made their journey south, especially visiting schoolchildren at primary schools on the route.

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Isobel Cooley, PR manager for English Heritage South East, said: “They arrived into London at the weekend where they had a great reception.

“They then set off on their final leg of their journey.

“They left Eltham Palace on Monday and made their way into Tonbridge Castle on Tuesday night.

“On Wednesday there were going through the Weald, staying ay Lamberhurst.

“They entered East Sussex on Thursday.”

The re-enactors were set to spend their final night in Brightling, with villagers expecting to turn out to give them a special welcome and enjoy a drink with the visitors.

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Isobel added, “Their numbers are going to be strengthened by other local enthusiasts and re-enactors.

“They will carry on into Battle where they will be expected late Friday morning (today).

“Wherever they have gone, they have had great support from local people and school children and English Heritage really hopes this is going to excite and enthuse people about the richness of the country’s heritage.”

The soldiers will make up some of the 1,066-plus re-enactors who will re-live the atmosphere and tension of 950 years ago on the battlefield tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.

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Visitors are invited to step foot in the encampments, see the displays, meet the falconers, and the cavalry.

There will also be a chance to have a go at archery and have fun in a kids battle, visit the medieval traders and try a pint of mead.

However tickets for the weekend have been selling fast.

Isobel said: “We would advise people to check the English Heritage website to make sure that there are tickets available before they travel.”

To find out more, visit the English Heritage website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

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Related topics:BattleEnglish HeritageYorkLondon