1. Historical Inconsistencies in Ancient Accounts
The primary sources describing the Battle of Hastings, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, William of Poitiers’ Gesta Guillelmi, and the Bayeux Tapestry, provide crucial details about the battle's location. However, these accounts often give conflicting descriptions of the terrain. For example, while the Chronicle mentions a hill, other sources are less specific, and none of them provide the precise location we would expect from an event of such significance. Moreover, the exact positioning of Harold's forces and the movements of the Normans have been described in ways that could suggest a location different from Senlac Hill.
One key issue is the mention of "a ridge," which might suggest a different topography than what is present at Senlac Hill. Some historians argue that the description of the battlefield could fit another location better, particularly one closer to the town of Hastings itself.
2. The Proximity of Hastings
One of the primary arguments for rethinking the battle’s location is the proximity of Hastings to the traditional battlefield site. The Bayeux Tapestry and other accounts suggest that Harold’s army was positioned some distance from the town of Hastings. The idea that Harold would have marched his army all the way to Senlac Hill—about six miles from Hastings—seems unlikely to many scholars, especially considering the fact that William's forces arrived at the coast via the town of Hastings. Some argue that it would have been more strategic for Harold to position his forces closer to the town, where he could have secured a better line of defense and been more in tune with the movements of the invading Normans.
3. Archaeological Discoveries
Archaeological evidence has played a significant role in challenging the location of the battle. In recent years, fieldwork in and around Hastings has uncovered several promising leads. For example, excavation sites near the town of Hastings, particularly around the cliffs of Caldbec Hill, have revealed a number of artifacts and evidence of medieval military activity. These findings suggest that the battlefield could have been closer to the town than previously thought.
In addition to these discoveries, the positioning of the ground at Senlac Hill is under scrutiny. Some archaeologists claim that the ridge at Senlac Hill is not steep enough to match descriptions in the historical sources, which mention a “steep slope” on which Harold’s forces stood. This discrepancy has led to the suggestion that other nearby locations, such as Caldbec Hill, might provide a more accurate match for the described battlefield conditions.
4. The Role of the Battlefield Abbey
The construction of Battle Abbey at the traditional site of the battle raises important questions about the accuracy of its location. While the abbey was built by William as a memorial to his victory, it also served as a symbol of Norman power over the Saxons. Some historians have suggested that the abbey’s location was chosen for symbolic reasons rather than based on historical accuracy. The abbey itself may not be located directly on the battlefield, but rather at a site of greater convenience for the post-conquest authorities. shutdown123