Napoleonic Newsdesk
Battle of Hastings - 1998
by Paul Chamberlain
Photographs courtesy of Dick Clark
 |
The British and French camp sites, separated by a stream and the eventual battle ground, gave both sides the opportunity to create some really good living history displays. For those arriving on the Friday night there was the opportunity on Saturday to catch up with the latest gossip and start getting the camp sites organised. Sunday arrived cold and overcast - conditions that prevailed throughout most of the weekend but mercifully the rain kept away for the times that mattered. The natural undulating terrain provided spectators with an excellent view of the early afternoon displays and the following battles. On Sunday, I spent the day on Horseback as part of the British cavalry brigade. I was most impressed (Totally unbiased of course) how the vastly outnumbered British cavalry was able to withstand to the end the combined weight of the Chasseurs and Cuirassiers. Great credit to the cavalry command and participants from both sides who made the scenarios on both days so effective. From horseback the evidence of the well co-ordinated French and British armies was clear for all to see as the battle ebbed and flowed in front of an appreciative audience. On Sunday night the warming benefits of the NA beer tent and catering facilities were well appreciated (A bit too much by some it would seem). However, dawn was announced by a competition between the French and British as to whom could play reveille to the best effect at 6.30 in the morning. I am pleased to say that the British version did sound a might superior to the French impersonation of a strangled cat. The rest of the day went to schedule - the cavalry did some filming work in the morning and then along with other units provided the usual displays for the public followed by another successful battle scenario. Alas with my horse going lame I was "promoted" to command of the baggage train, a rare honour which gave me the opportunity to witness the action from ground level - on foot - I ask you. But most impressive it was too. As on the previous day who won and who lost didn't seem to matter. Some 6000 people watched us over the 2 days and from the comments I heard the NA equipped itself really well. The spectators were most impressed and enthusiastic and English heritage are already considering the possibility of inviting us back soon. Our special thanks in particular to our overseas colleagues and other guests (Why can't the French have their public holidays on Mondays and not Fridays the same as us?) who once again did us proud. 
More Napoleonic Newsdesk Back to Table of Contents -- First Empire #42 Back to First Empire List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1998 by First Empire. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com |
The first International Napoleonic Association re-enactment of 1998 (2-4 May), courtesy of English Heritage saw the NA out in force. The wonderful backdrop of Battle Abbey, normally associated with events significantly earlier than the 19th century, provided the scene for this major bank holiday weekend event.