History book shows Battle through eyes of the people

Many local people bought copies of the picture book, which includes more than 100 pictures of the town, past and present, in colour.

Frederic Carver, assistant curator at the Battle Museum of Local History, which produced the book, said: “We were delighted to see so many people from the local community supporting the book.

“People bought multiple copies as Christmas presents for friends and family who no longer live here, but are still associated with the town”.

The book was published to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Battle Museum of Local History.

The unique compilation of pictures and captions provides a glimpse into individual and community life from 1066 to the present day.

The collection has been brought together by many enthusiastic residents, families and businesses from communities in and around Battle, including Catsfield, Crowhurst, Sedlescombe, Netherfield and Mountfield.

Some material for the book came from as far afield as Sweden, Poland and New Zealand.

The book features the history of a number of local groups, businesses and regular events in the town, such as Battle bonfire and the Good Friday marbles competition.

Major events in the town’s history, including the fire at Battle Abbey School and the explosion at Battle’s powder mill in 1798, are also featured.

The book also contains some more unusual tales, including the story of Charles Gausden, a Battle butcher who sent a haunch of southdown mutton as a gift to Napoleon III as English and French troops fought side by side in the Crimean War in 1854.

Anyone who could not get to Saturday’s launch can still buy copies from the Battle Museum of Local History (for the first two weeks of November), the Post Office, Alter Ego Gallery in Abbey Court and AHA in Mount Street.

The book can also be purchased online from www.youbyyou.co.uk.

Battle in Pictures costs £8 per copy.