1066 And All That

Many of us remember the 1930s satirical book “1066 and All That” from our schooldays and this has given us the title for this historical tour that will look into the monumental events of 1066 and the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror, as he became known, and the Battle of Hastings at which King Harold was killed.  It was the last successful invasion of our shores and one which has resonated throughout a thousand years of history.  Join Julian Humphrys to discover what happened, where, when and what were the implications on this interesting tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells from 15.00
This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine with talk from Julian – “The Norman Conquest.”

Day 2: Pevensey Castle and Battle Abbey
We start our exploration of the story at the same place as the invading Norman army – Pevensey. Now a seaside town, this is where William’s forces landed on 28th September 1066. An existing Saxon fort was later developed into a Norman Castle after the invasion and a visit here will start the tale of this epic event. After morning tea/coffee, we head inland to where the actual Battle of Hastings took place – Battle. An abbey commemorates the events of the 14th October and Julian will conduct a tour of the battlefield site so explain what happened (as far as modern historians can ascertain). Return to the hotel before heading to Penshurst Place for a private visit followed by dinner. Return to the hotel. 

Day 2: Tonbridge Castle, Rochester Castle and Cathedral
Rochester was famously home to Dickens, whose father worked at Chatham’s dockyard, but it has a long history dating back much further. Its Norman tower-keep was built in 1127 at the behest of Henry I and was the scene of a momentous battle in 1215 when the castle lay under siege from King John. The defenders held on for 2 months until eventually being starved out. The Norman Cathedral is even older, founded in AD604 by Bishop Justus. The current building dates back in parts to 1080 and became a place of pilgrimage in the 13^th century, following the murder of William of Perth, after which a series of miracles were reported.  Tonbridge was an important site in the Norman invasion with a simple Motte and Bailey castle to guard the crossing of the Medway. This castle was augmented over the centuries to become the building we see today. Return to the hotel around 17.30.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion 

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers. 

INCLUDED

• Two nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Mercure Tunbridge Wells based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• Private three-course dinner with wine at the hotel
• Private three-course dinner at Penshurst Place with wine
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Single supplement 
• Extra nights on bed & breakfast basis
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Mercure Tunbridge Wells

This four-star Royal Tunbridge Wells hotel was built around an 18th century Georgian oast house in the Kent countryside. Rooms at Mercure Tunbridge Wells are spacious, offer a flat screen TV and complimentary WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities and hairdryer. The hotels reception desk is manned 24 hours a day and he hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, outdoor areas and a hidden pond for you to enjoy.  If you are driving to the Mercure Tunbridge Wells, free parking is available. 

Parking: Complimentary

Hotel Website

MORE INFO - Click here for more information on this tour

Your Guide

Julian Humphrys 
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, has worked at historical sites both in Britain and overseas and is now a trustee of the Battlefields Trust and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has a very infectious enthusiasm for history and has published numerous books on castles and battles. He currently leads more than a dozen tours for Travel Editions and imparts his extraordinary historical knowledge with wit and panache, making a tour led by him both an educational and entertaining experience.

UK Tours
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.