Romans and Normans at Pevensey

The great harbour here silted up long ago, leaving Pevensey stranded inland, 2 miles (3.2km) from the sea. It was from here that William, Duke of Normandy marched inland to defeat King Harold and his Saxon army in 1066. What took place represents one of the most significant events in English history.

The exact spot where William came ashore can never be identified, as the coastline has shifted and altered so greatly down the centuries. What is known, however, is that 800 years before the arrival of William, the Romans chose this site to construct the fortress of Anderida as part of their defence of the Saxon Shore. Pevensey was one of a series of fortifications along this coast and the remains of the outer walls of the castle survive. Standing up to 30ft (9m) thick in places and enclosing an oval area of about 10 acre (4ha), the walls are considered to be among the finest examples of Roman building in the world.

In 1066, centuries after the Roman invasion of Britain, William, Duke of Normandy crossed the Channel and came ashore at Pevensey. Determined to claim the English crown, he expected to be met with some resistance at Anderida. But William found the fort undefended, enabling him to consolidate his position immediately. Harold and his men were elsewhere, fighting his brother's Danish army in Yorkshire and expecting William to sail via the Isle of Wight.

The Normans immediately set about erecting one of three prefabricated timber castles they had brought with them, constructing it on a mound of earth within the fort. It was as if they were intent on taking the place of the Romans who had occupied this site so many years before them. Without opposition, the Norman army travelled almost casually through the Sussex countryside, taking food from local people and burning and looting whatever they could find. Following the Battle of Hastings, William gave the stronghold to his half brother, Robert, Count of Mortain. It was Robert who built the Norman castle, the remains of which we see today. A keep and bailey were subsequently constructed and in the 13th century a formidable stone curtain wall and gatehouse were added.

Further work took place in the 14th century but by now the castle was sturdy enough to defend itself and its inhabitants from the strongest opponent. Pevensey was prepared to defend the coast from the threat of Napoleon and even as recently as 1940, pill boxes were installed into the castle walls should German forces invade.

This wonderfully atmospheric walk starts at Pevensey Castle, which the tourist blurb aptly describes as 'a battle-scarred witness to 17 centuries of turbulent history.' After a brief tour of Pevensey, with its picturesque houses and cottages, head out across the lonely, evocative Pevensey Levels, once covered by water and now reminiscent of the fenland country of East Anglia.

Where to eat and drink

Priory Court Hotel near the car park has a selection of hot and cold food, as well as a restaurant and beer garden. Cumberland sausage, lasagne, steak and kidney pudding and chilli con carne are among the dishes. The Royal Oak and the Smugglers also serve food and the Castle Cottage Restaurant and tea room is very popular.

While you're there

Take a stroll through ancient Pevensey and visit the Court House Museum in the High Street, once the smallest town hall in England. In 1882, under the Municipal Corporation Act, Pevensey lost its status as a borough and in 1890 the Pevensey Town Trust was established to administer the Court House. Inside, you can see the Court Room, Robing Room, cells and exercise yard. There are many exhibits and displays, including a silver penny of William I, minted at Pevensey.

What to look for

By the Pevensey Castle car park entrance is a plaque to commemorate a visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 28 October 1966 and the landing of William, Duke of Normandy on 28 September 1066. A former coastal inlet which was drained mainly in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Pevensey Levels have their own individual character. This is a haven for wildlife, plants and insects, as well as home to a great variety of birds, both in summer and winter. Redshank, plovers, snipe and wildfowl visit in winter, while skylarks and kestrels are found here throughout the year.