Battle Abbey
Battle, it invokes feeling for military and English history types alike. Surely one of the defining moments that affected England's history, arguably more than any other event. The big battle happened in 1066, between the Saxons and the Normans. Poor Harold had already fought a tough fight beforehand, and then endured a long forced march down to the coast. William kicked some with harder men, and new improved cavalry.
As the anniversary of this occasion was happening on our doorstep, four brave Thamesreach SCAdians and two guests made the big trip down south. We had casualties from the start, Jaergen with a foot injury, and Adam from a (liquid) head wound. Still that left six of us to enjoy the biting wind and reenactors doing their stuff. The train journey was less painful than commuting in London, and on arrival we bought our tickets, and then headed off to the "1066 pub" for some food. Thus fortified we went to see the first clash of the day, a re-enactment of Sudbury bridge, Harold's fight up north Vs. the Danes. It seemed very similar to most live-steel players having a bash, except for the voiceover giving us a blow-by-blow account. The only disappointment was a lack of a bridge!
After this we cruised the merchant stalls, although tempted to buy some knickknacks, I resisted and took a few photos and explained early medieval stuff to our newest member. While others (Anathea especially) went wild shopping, myself and Sabyn went off to look over the museum and video on the Battle and the Abbey which was built afterwards. This was reasonably informative, but the depth was lacking for someone who already knew the basics of what went on. The next bit was more impressive - a Norman horsemanship demonstration. I haven't seen many reenactors in the UK, so it was good to see something I hadn't ever seen before. One could tell the horses didn't like combat, but they certainly did formation manoeuvres and charging down defenceless cabbages quite happily. The skill was quite reasonable, and I left with a much better appreciation of the potential effectiveness of horsemen of this time.
Another short break, and then it was time for the main event. The Saxons rolled over the hill and took up positions on the high ground, while the Normans approached from the East. In that time honoured tradition, insults were exchanged, then a couple of challenges took place, before the two sides engaged. Once again we got a voiceover to help us with how the battle is thought to have proceeded, and after much too-ing and fro-ing Harold went down, and the remaining Saxons fled or formed into a big shieldwall to fight till the last. The entire effect was well done. They needed a few more numbers, especially in the archer and horse departments. The level of costume was very good, and the combat was well acted, although sometimes they didn't seem quite keen enough, and a large number of blows were exchanged before the first casualty occurred (again a numbers thing). Following this, a refight was fought, this time with people accepting blows and fighting more for real. It was over much quicker, and the Saxons won! Then it was picture time, and home.
This was better and worse than seeing a historic site independantly. It was far more crowded, but you got to feel the atmosphere more. The re-enactment was impressive, but somehow unsatisfying for me (maybe because once you have participated in such, speculating doesn't seem right?). I would recommend this, especially next year, as there should be over one thousand combatants. It was a pity we didn't have more time to explore the town, and going in a mixed group means that you only get to see what everyone wants to see. Still a fun day all around.
