HIGH HALDEN — This morning I drove down to Battle to visit Battle Abbey and the site of the Battle of Hastings. I did the audio tour and took the long option which led you right around the battlefield. The site is not quite as it was in 1066 as the top of the hill was subsequently levelled to build the abbey and the field was terraced for the abbey’s use. There are probably a few more trees now as well—so you had to use your imagination a little.
When I’d finished looking around the battlefield and abbey I drove to Rye, a pretty medieval town and cinque port. I took the opportunity of climbing to the top of the church tower for a magnificent view over the town and countryside. The way to the top involved narrow passages, steep ladders and multiple ‘mind your head’ signs.
I also couldn’t resist stepping through the door of an old-fashioned lolly shop and succumbing to temptation.
In the evening I went back to St Nicholas’ Church in Pluckley and attended the evening service. Apart from taking the opportunity to see inside the church, the Maidstone Salvation Army Band and Songsters were providing the music.
Driving back to my lodgings was the first time driving at night this trip, this car. Took a while to find the light switch, and I’m glad I’d driven the road several times before during daylight hours—’twould be so easy to get lost at night if you’re unfamiliar with road.
