attle Abbey was founded by William the Conqueror and built on the site of the Battle of Hastings. William is supposed to have made a vow to construct a monastery if he was victorious in the fight against Harold at the battle. The altar is supposed to have been built at the exact site where Harold was killed and the royal standard flag had been found on the rising ground that the Saxon King had chosen.
In a dream William had repeatedly measured out a length for the abbey of 500 feet, a foot for each year that his descendents would rule but each time when the distance was checked it was only 315 feet so 315 feet was chosen as the length of the church.
The monastery abbey was dedicated to Saint Martin and was consecrated in 1076, but building work was not completed until 1094 when it was reconsecrated in the presence of William Rufus, seven bishops and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The first monks to arrive at the abbey were from the Benedictine abbey of Marmoutier near Tours in the Loire Valley.Mini Timeline
| 1066 |
Oct 14 |
Battle of Hastings
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William the Conqueror and Harold II met in battle at Hastings. Although Harold had the superior position on the battlefield his tactics failed and he was killed. This left England open for William to continue with his invasion plans.1 |
| 1076 |
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Battle Abbey Consecrated
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Even though incomplete, Battle Abbey is consecrated. |
| 1094 |
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Battle Abbey reconsecrated
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Building work at Battle Abbey was completed and the abbey reconsecrated by William Rufus. |
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