Restored film captures the first Battle of Hastings re-enactment in 1966
A restored film of the first Battle of Hastings re-enactment in 1966 will be shown publicly this weekend for the first time. Created by Alan Wootton and his wife Mary, the footage captures hundreds of re-enactors in armour with weapons, revealing notably relaxed health and safety standards compared to modern times. Filmed to mark the battle's 900th anniversary, the event proved so successful it became an annual tradition, now organised by English Heritage and attracting thousands of visitors each October.
The film comprises 300 reels restored by Cliff Wootton, the couple's son, who was just 12 when he helped record sound for the original event. The footage shows re-enactors from Sussex and Kent Universities marching down Battle High Street and clashing with weapons. With the 60th anniversary edition taking place this weekend (10-11 October) at Battle Abbey, English Heritage is appealing for surviving 1966 participants to come forward as special guests.
- Restored 1966 film of first Battle of Hastings re-enactment shown publicly for first time this weekend.
- 300 reels reveal how re-enactment was conducted with far more relaxed safety standards in 1960s.
- English Heritage seeks original participants from 60th anniversary event to attend as special guests.
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The Battle of Hastings in 1066 saw Norman forces under William the Conqueror defeat English forces, an outcome that fundamentally changed the course of English history and established Norman rule over England. The battle remains one of Britain's most pivotal historical events and is deeply embedded in national memory and identity.
To mark the battle's 900th anniversary in 1966, filmmaker Alan Wootton and his wife Mary created a film documenting the first public re-enactment of the historical event, which attracted hundreds of participants in period costume recreating the famous conflict. The re-enactment proved so popular that it became an annual tradition held near the original battlefield and is now organised by English Heritage as a major public attraction that draws thousands of visitors.
The original 1966 film, shot on 300 reels, was recently restored by the couple's son Cliff, who had helped record sound for the event as a child, and provides a unique historical record of the pioneering re-enactment. The restored footage captures the atmosphere of the early tradition and shows notably different health and safety practices compared with how such events are organised today.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Time capsule film of the first ever re-enactment of Battle of Hastings is unearthed and restored after nearly 60 years”.