Winchelsea 1066 History Festival
October 14th marks the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, arguably one of the most significant days in English history. The resultant Norman Conquest ended nearly 500 years of Anglo-Saxon rule, shifting England’s political, cultural and linguistic ties away from Scandinavia and towards continental Europe. With the Bayeux Tapestry on display at the British Museum from 10th September, three of Winchelsea’s societies, plus Andrew Scott and St Thomas Primary School are organising a unique programme of talks, debates, walks and exhibitions celebrating the people, places and events of 1066. Join us on Saturday 31st October 2026, at the New Hall, Rectory Lane, Winchelsea TN36 4AA for a Talk titled, “The Bayeux Tapestry Through the Ages: Embroidering, Restoration and Conservation”. Dr Alexandra Makin, a member of the Scientific Committee for Research for the Bayeux Tapestry, explores how the tapestry (or embroidery) was created, preserved and studied today.