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Pevensey Castle
Pevensey Castle was built by the Romans between 250 and 300AD to defend the
coast against the Franks and Alemanni who were attacking the Roman Empire in
northern europe. It was built on a small Island, and was known as Anderida.
During the times of Alfred the Great the fortifications were known as
Andredceaster.
When the Roman Legions withdrew from Britain in 408AD, the castle was occupied
by the Anglo-Saxons, until it was seized in 491AD by Aella the Saxon.
( see also Ashburnham )
In 1042 and 1049, the castle was raided by Earl Godwine, soon to become Harold
II, and during the Spring and Summer of 1066 the castle was occupied by
Harold's army, who were expecting the forces of William the Conqueror .
Many scholars believe that the Normans landed at Pevensey in October 1066 ,
but from research we have carried out it seems less likely and more likely
that they landed near Hooe . However Pevensey was occupied by the Normans in
late 1066 .
The castle was besieged, probably from the Westham side, as a narrow spit of
land joined the castle to the mainland, by William Rufus(1087 - 1100) and King
Stephen(1135 - 1141). Simon De Montfort(1264) on his way to Lewes failed to take
the castle, and in 1399 it was again attacked this time by the Yorkists.
The Castle is now run by English Heritage , and provides a good day out with
good views across the Pevensey Marshes and the South Downs at Eastbourne .
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Open all year
March to October
Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm
October to March
Wednesday to Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm
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