The church forms a large quadrangle and is about a mile in circuit. The high altar was built on the spot where King Harold, the usurper died. A list of all those who were with Duke Guillaume of Normandy at the battle is kept on the "Roll of Battle Abbey" at the Abbey. It was considered an honour to be descended from one of these Norman families.
Guillaume Peuerel - The Conqueror built Battle Abbey on the site of the Battle of Hastings of 1066. He began the building in 1067 but it was not finished for several years. It was built to house 140 monks but there were never more than 60 at any one time.
