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The ruins of Hastings Castle, perched on the Cliff top, East Sussex, UK
Immediately after landing in England in 1066, William of Normandy ordered three fortifications to be built, Pevensey Castle in September 1066, Hastings (before the Battle of Hastings) and Dover. Hastings Castle was originally built as a motte-and-bailey castle near the sea. Later that year, the famous Battle of Hastings took place not far from Hastings castle, in which William was victorious. In 1070, William issued orders for the Castle to be rebuilt in stone, along with the St Mary's Chapel. Large sections fell into the sea in the storms of 1287, and in 1339 and 1377 the town was attacked by the French and many buildings burnt. Throughout the next century erosion of the soft sandstone cliff gradually caused more of the castle to be lost to the sea.
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Photo credit: © C.Clarke / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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