Who won the Battle of Hastings? Elf and safety!

AS hundreds of soldiers prepared to take to the field clutching spears and swords, it was perhaps no surprise that health and safety bosses might have something to say.

But it was the rain, rather than the weapons, that meant a re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings was cancelled yesterday.

Some 1,066 people dressed as Norman and Saxon warriors were expected to stage their own version of the famous battle at what is thought to be the original site in Sussex. But history fans were left disappointed after heavy downpours on Saturday meant organiser English Heritage was forced to cancel the event for ‘safety reasons’.

A spokesman for English Heritage said: ‘Although the forecast was for fair weather over this weekend, unexpected torrential rain over several hours this morning has resulted in unacceptably high levels of mud both on the battlefield and on public areas. For safety reasons, the event cannot go ahead.’

Kevin Boorman, of Hastings Borough Council, said: ‘It is understandable but it is a real shame because the organisers put a lot of time and money into organising and advertising it.’

The council had held a week-long festival of events, culminating in the re-enactment weekend, since the battle’s 900th anniversary in 1966.

While the battle was cancelled, events on Saturday including a town criers’ contest and firework display, went ahead.