Year of the Normans (2027) is a celebration of the anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth and a celebration of all things Norman. The Normans had a massive influence on culture, language, government, administration and architecture, and nowhere more so perhaps than in Sussex. So in a celebration of castles, cathedrals, churches, trees and the legacy of 1066, here is the information you need to get to grips with the great Norman legacy in Sussex.
- What is the Year of the Normans? Millennium 2027 European Year of the Normans celebrates 1,000 years since William, Duke of Normandy / William the Conqueror / King William I’s birth. The anniversary will be celebrated across Europe as a celebration of Norman influence with exhibitions, trails and events. We’ll share all the details of events happening in Sussex as and when they are announced.
- Where did William the Conqueror land, and where was the Battle of Hastings? William and his army landed at Pevensey near Eastbourne in East Sussex. Having rested in the old Roman fortress there (now Pevensey Castle) they marched in land to Hastings and to Battle in East Sussex, making Sussex pivotal in the 1066 story.
Why is Sussex one of the best places to explore 1066 history?
Sussex is one of the best places from which to explore the 1066 story for a variety of reasons, at the very heart of which is the fact that William landed in Sussex and the Battle of Hastings took place in East Sussex. Having succeeded in battle, William immediately started to consolidate his power and control.
The first Norman Castle was built at Hastings. Other important castles were built in strategic positions at Lewes, Arundel and Bramber, with key personnel close to William given land and power. The centre of religious power was moved to Chichester (from Selsey) and a new cathedral was built, while Norman churches sprang up across Sussex. Much of this architecture still exists today.
From Sussex, it is also easy to explore other important Norman centres such as Dover, Canterbury, Winchester and Westminster.
Sussex Saxon history and heritage
Long before the Normans, the Saxons arrived and Sussex developed into a Saxon stronghold. By the 6th century, there was a Saxon community in south east England and this later evolved into the Kingdom of the South Saxons (aka Sussex). It was one of the seven traditional kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England.
The South Saxons were later annexed by Wessex, in about 827, and by 927, all remaining Anglo-Saxon kingdoms had merged to create the new kingdom of England. During the brief period of rule by the Viking, Canute, one Sussex family rose to power, namely the Godwins. Harold’s father was Godwin of Wessex, one of the most powerful earls of the time, and Harold was appointed his father’s earldom on his death and in due course, was crowned king in January 1066. King Harold lived and held land in Sussex, including at Bosham and Crowhurst.
William the Conqueror lands at Pevensey
William set off from France and landed at Pevensey in September 1066. The army hunkered down in an old Roman fort (now known as Pevensey Castle) and made their way to Hastings before heading inland. Meanwhile, Harold’s army hurried south from London. The two armies met at Senlac Hill near a town now known as Battle. After a day of bloodshed and heavy losses, Harold was killed and William became the Conqueror on 14 October 1066.
Norman consolidation of power
While the battle was won, there was still much to do to conquer the rest of the country, so after a short respite, William moved on. He built the first Norman castle at Hastings, moving swiftly on towards London via Dover, Canterbury and Winchester. He was crowned king in London on Christmas Day in 1066.
Exploring Norman history in Sussex and key sites to visit
There are a number of key sites to visit in Sussex if you’re looking for 1066 heritage, and you can also find our full 1066 trail here:
Must visit 1066 and Year of the Norman sites to visit include:
Battle Abbey and the Battlefield of 1066
- Location of Battle Abbey and Battlefield: You can reach Battle from London by train (journey time 1.5 hours approximately) or by car from Folkestone (approx 1 hour). It is in the heart of East Sussex and not far from Hastings and the coast.
- You can walk to Battle from Pevensey via the 1066 Country Walk but allow several days.
- The abbey was founded by William after the Battle of Hastings as an act of attonement for the loss of life. It was a Benedictine abbey established in about 1071.
- Visitor experience: You can visit the extensive abbey ruins and walk around the battlefield where you will find a series of sculptures. Visit the nearby St. Mary’s Church and you can see a three-metre-long modern embroidery in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry which shows life in the town after the battle. It was created in 2016 by local artist Tina Greene and 741 volunteers.
Hastings Castle: where William put down roots
- Catch the train from Battle to Hastings (journey time 28 minutes) or by car, it’s 20 minutes.
- Hastings Castle is on the cliff above the town. Originally a wooden motte-and-bailey, it was later rebuilt and was the first Norman castle in England.
- Visitor experience: Duruing the summer months, you can visit and explore the ruins. Walk down to the beach to see the 1066 sculpture of a Norman ship.
Pevensey and Pevensey Castle: where William landed
- From Hastings, you can catch the train to Pevensey and the journey time is about 45 minutes. By car it is approximately half an hour.
- Visit the bay where William and his army landed and then visit Pevensey Castle, where the army rested before they marched on to the Battle of Hastings.
- Visitor experience: You can visit the bay for free and then explore the castle ruins (paid entry).
Norman castles in Sussex
If you have time, catch the train or drive on to:
Lewes
Lewes Castle is a fantastic Norman motte and bailey castle with two mottes. It was built by William de Warenne who fought with William at the Battle of Hastings. He held a lot of land both in Sussex and further afield. You can explore the castle which has views over the town of Lewes and the surrounding countryside and visit the ruins of Lewes Priory (free entry to the priory). The priory was founded by William de Warenne and his wife.
Bramber
Bramber Castle was was founded by William de Braose who also took part in the Battle of Hastings. He was given extensive lands in Sussex and founded a priory at nearby Sele. You can explore the castle ruins for free and visit the Norman church next door.
Arundel
Arundel Castle was first built by Roger de Montgomery from 1067 onwards. Roger de Montgomery (a cousin of William the Conqueror) had stayed in Normandy to keep the peace and was subsequently declared the first Earl of Arundel. The castle has been much altered since but remains magnificent.
Chichester Cathedral and Norman churches
Chichester Cathedral was built to replace a cathedral built in 681 by St Wilfrid at Selsey. Power was transferred to Chichester in 1075 on the orders of William and the cathedral was consecrated in 1108. It remains a stunning example of classic early Norman (Romanesque) architecture. While in Chichester, visit the mound in Priory Park where there was once another Norman castle.
If you have time, head to Bosham in Chichester Harbour and the home of King Harold. Bosham features in the Bayeux Tapestry.
For good examples of Norman churches, visit St Botolph’s at Hardham near Pulborough, St Mary de Haura and Shoreham-by-Sea, as well as the church next to Bramber Castle ruins.
Norman influence in Sussex
Sussex was divided into six administrative regions each of which was controlled by a castle. The Rapes were Chichester, Arundel, Bramber, Lewes, Hastings and Pevensey. As well as being administrative, they were defensive and also had their own courts and were used for tax collection.
Planning your Norman trip to Sussex
For a full 1066 itinerary, why not follow our 1066 Trail:
Shorter 1066 Sussex itinerary
For a shorter trail that includes the main sites and 1066 Sussex heritage, base yourself in Hastings and visit Battle and Pevensey. If you have time, walk the 1066 Country Trail.
FAQ: Year of the Normans and 1066
Quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about 1066 and the Normans in Sussex.
What Norman castles can you visit in Sussex?
You can visit Hastings, Pevensey, Lewes, Bramber and Arundel castles. You can see the mound where Chichester Castle once stood.
Where did William the Conqueror land in England?
He landed at Pevensey near Eastbourne in East Sussex.
Is Battle Abbey the real site of the Battle of Hastings?
The most popular view is that the Battle of Hastings took place at Senlac Hill near Battle but others dispute this and say it was at various other sites including Caldbec Hill (one mile north of the Abbey) or Crowhurst (three miles south).
What did the Normans build in Sussex?
In addition to the many castle that they built, the Normans also built Chichester Cathedral, Battle Abbey and lots of churches.
Where did William die?
William died near Rouen in France and is buried in Caen.
Where is King Harold buried?
Harold’s burial place remains a mystery. Many believe he was buried on a cliff near Hastings. Some believe he was buried at Waltham Abbey in Essex but there is also an increasing body of evidence that suggests he may have been buried in Bosham.
Where is the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry is normally based in the French town of Bayeux but is coming to London in September 2026.
If you have enjoyed this post and want to know more about the Year of the Normans and the Sussex 1066 legacy and heritage, you may also like:
The Battle of Hastings 1066: the Battle that Changed Sussex & History
