Mapping the Pevensey Area Back to 1066: The Historical Environmental Evidence

Abstract

To date, few studies on the Battle of Hastings, one of the most important battles in European history, have presented historical maps depicting the campaign area at the time in detail. As an example of where maps can contribute to our knowledge on the battle/campaign, this article examines the pre-battle Norman landing site and associated land uses around eleventh-century Pevensey by combining information from earlier maps with environmental studies and a discussion of ships. From its findings, researchers can gain an idea not only of how the landscape appeared but also of what choices were available at the time. Historical maps such as those reviewed in this study provide excellent insight into the geographic details as they pertain to the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings.