There had always been a
tradition that this was the spot where Harold had planted his standard,
and where his body was found after the battle; and the discovery of the
ruined chapel confirmed the tradition.
I might have seen a great deal more, had there been time; and I have
forgotten much of what I did see; but it is an exceedingly interesting
place. There is an avenue of old yew-trees, which meet above like a
cloistered arch; and this is called the Monks' Walk. I rather think they
were ivy, though growing unsupported.
As we were retiring, the gardener suddenly stopped, as if he were
alarmed, and motioned to us to do the same, saying, "I believe it is my
lady!" And so it was,--a tall and stately lady in black, trimming shrubs
in the garden. She bowed to us very graciously,--we raised our hats, and
thus we met and parted without more ado. As we went through the arch of
the entrance tower, Bennoch gave the old female warder a shilling, and
the gardener followed us to get half a crown.
HASTINGS.
We took a fly and driver from the principal hotel of Battle, and drove
off for Hastings, about seven miles distant. Hastings is now a famous
watering and sea-bathing place, and seems to be well sheltered from the
winds, though open to the sea, which here stretches off towards France.
We climbed a high and steep hill, terraced round its base with streets of
modern lodging-houses, and crowned on its summit with the ruins of a
castle, the foundation of which was anterior to the Conquest.
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