This book was an eye-opening read! I had no idea that the Battle of Hastings could have been fought in a different location than what is commonly believed. John Grehan and Martin Mace have done an excellent job of researching and presenting the evidence for their theory. The authors provide a detailed account of the events leading up to the battle, as well as the battle itself. They also provide a thorough analysis of the archaeological evidence. This is one for history fans to peruse and debate.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I really enjoyed this book not only did it tell the story of the battle of Hastings but also the controversy over which hill it was actually on and if the tapestry of William the conqueror was actually of the battle of Hastings or a later battle. The author uses a number of different points of views in the search for the truth. This book has great flow and excellent if you just love learning new things about history.

This was a great read! I loved the in-depth analysis and the rundown of the issues that surround the battle of Hastings. While we have contemporary sources, what we are gleaning from modern study is very profound, and worth a deeper look at the official battle site - and the possible new location.

Absolutely amazing read, and one that was well worth the time to sit and read through. I was blown away through the information and the commentary by the author.

Perfect for those who are interested in the Battle of Hastings and the Norman invasion!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliant written, well researched, well argued. A fascinating book. Definitely recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for a non-biased review. The primary intent of this book is to reveal the true location where the epic battle of Hastings was fought. It has always been accepted that the battle took place at the site of Battle Abbey near Hastings. The legend is that the abbey was built on the site of the battle and on the spot where the English king Harold died. But after much research and study of terrain, the author sets out to prove that the battle was actually fought on nearby Caldbec Hill. I admit that I knew nothing about the Battle of Hastings other than that it was fought in 1066 between the British king Harold and the Norman army of William the Conqueror, and won by William. In laying out the groundwork for his premise, the author does an excellent job of providing background to this epic battle, including a history of England and it's kings as well as the background and claim to the throne of William the Conqueror. There is also a good discussion of battle tactics of that period. There are no period descriptions of the battle itself, most of the history having been written long afterwards. As a result most of what is thought to have taken place on that day is largely guesswork. The author uses the works of the many historians who have written and theorized about the battle over the years. He uses common sense, a knowledge of tactics, and a study of the terrain to use these varying accounts to piece together what likely really happened. Using the scant descriptions of the battle available including the Bayeaux Tapestry, he does an excellent job of demonstrating that Battle Hill does not fit at all as a location of the battle. One of the key facts know of the battle is that unlike most battles of that period, this battle lasted nearly an entire day. His theory being that Caldbec Hill was very steep and rugged, allowing for a strong defensive position for the English, and rendering the Norman cavalry much less effective. All of the descriptions of the battle are shown to fit much better if Caldbec Hilll were the site of the battle rather than the lower smoother Battle Hill.

The main aim of this book was to prove where the Battle of Hastings was actually fought in October 1066.

The long-accepted, traditional view of historians was that the battle was fought on Battle Hill, in the grounds of what is now Battle Abbey. Over many years, this was a “fact” that was not challenged, as indeed was the idea that the abbey was built on the spot where King Harold died.

Following on from the theories proposed by British military historian, Jim Bradbury, the authors of this book decided to explore in depth the idea of a different site for the battle. They researched, using primary sources and the work of historians from different eras. They looked at the geographical features mentioned by the oldest sources of information and compared them with the topography of the locations. Factoring in the knowledge they gleaned about how the battle was fought and archaeological evidence – or lack of – they came to a conclusion that was at odds with the traditional view.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The arguments for and against various proposals were clear and backed up by many sources. Grehan and Mace have produced a well written and authoritative book on this important battle in the history of Britain.

Another fantastic read from Pen & Sword Military.

Mr Grehan and Mr Mace have released a fantastically researched and well written book on one of the most influential battles known to man. Even though the battle was so important to life as we know it today, not many know about it or why it was so important. While the authors shed some new light as well I greatly appreciate a well researched title being released so more people can learn about this event.

Don't let the subject matter scare you off, it is incredibly accessible for people with any level of history nerd in their blood, even those without some. It does not read like a text book and will keep you interested from page one.

I am the biggest history nerd to have every existed and this book just hit different. The idea that the location has never been known is something that never really clicked in my mind. I appreciated the thorough research and layout of this book. Excellent.