Battle of Hastings cancelled due to mud

1,066 re-enactors from across Europe had come to the Battle Abbey and battlefield to take part in the annual two-day event.

But Saturday’s re-enactment, coupled with a torrential downpour, left the battlefield resembling a mud bath.

English Heritage, which owns the site, took the decision to cancel the re-enactment on Sunday for safety reasons.

It is believed it is the first time the event has been cancelled in over 20 years.

English Heritage said there were ‘unacceptably high levels of mud’.

Area manager for the South East, Dawn Champion, said: “Although we hate to disappoint both visitors and participants, safety has to be our priority.”

The weather stayed fine on Sunday, allowing other events, including falconry displays and a children’s mini Battle of Hastings, to take place.

English Heritage offered free entry to all on Sunday, attracting more than 3,000 visitors, and refunds were given to everyone who had pre-booked a ticket for the event.

It has not been revealed how much the cancellation cost English Heritage financially.