Battle of Hastings rerun in East Sussex – in pictures

Members of historical re-enactment groups prepare to assume the role of Norman soldiers in the annual recreation of the Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey in Battle Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

The event featured 1,066 volunteers Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Members of historical re-enactment group receive a briefing Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

A child member of an historical re-enactment group dressed as a Norman soldier Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

The Norman soldiers build a fire in their encampment Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Portable toilets were available for the 1,066 participants Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Members in the role of Norman soldiers, rest in their encampment before the annual re-enactment Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Members prepare to go into battle Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

A prayer is said at Battle Abbey for the soldiers who died in the Battle of Hastings on its 946th anniversary Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Saxon and Norman soldiers perform the annual re-enactment Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

The battle commences Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Saxon and Norman soldiers clash in the re-enactment in Battle Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images