Lost film reveals first reenactment of famous battle

By Ed Chatterton

A remarkable time capsule film capturing the very first Battle of Hastings reenactment has been unearthed and restored after nearly 60 years.

The fascinating color movie has been brought back to life almost six decades on after the footage was handed to English Heritage.

The charity says the film provides a unique insight into a pioneering attempt to recreate England's most famous battle on its 900th anniversary.

The historic video shows hundreds of rowdy reenactors clashing with weapons and a "rather relaxed attitude toward health and safety."

It is now set to be shown to the public for the first time this weekend.

The original footage was captured by Alan Wootton, who ran an electronics business in Hastings, East Sussex, with his wife, Mary.

The couple were commissioned by the town council to document the celebrations after developing an innovative method of adding sound to silent home movies.

Its success led to the Norman and Saxon battle reenactment becoming an annual event, now held by English Heritage each October at Battle Abbey, East Sussex.

Following Alan's death, Mary gave all his 300 reels of film to their son Cliff who has been gradually reviewing, processing and enhancing them.

Cliff has released the "extraordinary" film to English Heritage so it can be preserved and shared by the charity with future generations.

Cliff, who helped his dad as a sound recordist as the time the footage was shot, said: "I was just 12 years old but Dad had me helping him at the 1966 reenactment, so I was right there in the middle of it all.

"I remember it being a huge event and it was fascinating to work on the footage again after all these years.

"We're hugely proud of what Dad and Mom achieved with their film and sound equipment, and are delighted that English Heritage will be showing it to so many other people who share an interest in this fantastic piece of British history."

English Heritage says the footage "is likely to raise a few eyebrows among modern audiences."

It includes scenes of boisterous reenactors marching down Battle High Street, with soldiers on foot getting dangerously close to horses.

The charity is now on hunt for the original reenactors to invite them to attend the 60th reenactment this year.

James Witcombe, English Heritage site manager for Battle Abbey, said: "This film is an incredible time capsule.

"It captures not only the first regular Battle of Hastings reenactment but also the atmosphere of an event that continues, to this day, to bring history to life for thousands of people almost 1,000 years after the original battle.

"Some of what we see in Alan's film is certainly a reminder of just how much reenactment — and health and safety — has changed over the past 60 years.

"We will be showing it in the school library during this year's Battle of Hastings reenactment and know that our visitors will love this insight into the origins of the event.

"We would love to hear from anyone who took part in that first event.

"We know that many of the original foot soldiers were recruited from Sussex and Kent universities but have no record of names.

"If you recognize yourself, or a friend or relative, in the footage, please get in touch.

"We'd love to invite surviving 1966 reenactors to join us as special guests at this weekend's reenactment — now in its 60th year."

The reenactment of the Battle of Hastings will be held at Battle Abbey on Oct. 10 and 11.