About Our Venue & Its History
The Abbey is located in Battle, a small town five miles from Hastings, in the heart of East Sussex.
The site occupied by the Abbey dates back to the beginning of modern British history, for it was at Battle that William the Conqueror defeated King Harold in 1066.
The attractive town of Battle gets it name from the Battle of Hastings, which was fought between Harold, the Saxon king, and William the Conqueror in 1066.
This battle was so significant it changed the course of English history. The town grew up around the Abbey of St. Martin which was built by William the Conqueror after the battle.
The Abbey was built between 1070 and 1094 by William the Conqueror, and the high altar is believed to have been placed on the spot where Harold fell. Today the Abbey ruins and the battlefield are cared for by English Heritage and are well worth a visit. The imposing Abbey gatehouse built circa 1338 can be seen as you look down the length of the High Street and serves as the spectacular entrance to the venue.