Special souvenir handbook to mark 1066 anniversary

Simon Alexander, the chairman of Concorde 1066 which is behind the book, said: “In addition to the events on the day itself it has always been our intention to produce a handbook which will have interest and relevance long after the anniversary, combining as it does information about the battle itself, the lead up to it and the story of the evolution of the town in the years that followed.

“Not only have local historians made a considerable contribution to the articles in the handbook we have also been fortunate to be able to include pieces by the curator of the Normandy Museum in Caen, the curator of the Bayeux tapestry, and a professor of medieval history.

“The Huntington Library in Los Angeles has also provided an interesting article about the remarkable collection of Battle Abbey documents which it holds going back to the 11th century but also including immediate post-dissolution and 18th century papers relating to the Browne and Webster families.

“Messages from the Danish and French Ambassadors have been included and we are particularly proud of the latter which congratulates Concorde 1066 on organising a programme that celebrates the Norman connection and the friendships we enjoy today.

“We are immensely grateful to the 31 local businesses which have contributed to the cost of the handbook. A further 20 local organisations have contributed in kind or financially.”

The handbook costs £5 and will be on sale at various outlets in the town including the old Post Office, now the Crafty Norman, which will also act as a general information centre not only for the Concorde 1066 project but also for other events in 2016.

The anniversary programme itself begins with an international lunch at which the mayor of Battle will welcome not only the two ambassadors but also mayors from the relevant towns in Normandy and Picardy, various Hastings twin towns and also local dignitaries.

A multi-denominational service will follow in St Mary’s Church.

Other events include a performance of a military marching band and a parade of 600 schoolchildren kitted out with tabards of colours from the Bayeux Tapestry.