By . Sam Webb and Mario Ledwith . PUBLISHED: . 03:59 EST, 14 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 17:17 EST, 14 October 2012 . 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’. Walking wounded: A re-enactor helps a comrade away from the fighting. Every year history enthusiasts recreate the Battle of Hastings, a huge turning point in British history . Fog of war: One thousand and sixty six Saxon and Norman soldiers from re-enactment groups across Europe aimed to faithfully recreate the Battle of Hastings in 1066 . 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. Calm before the storm: Warriors take a break from the 'fighting'. Harold II was killed in the battle, the last English king to die in battle on English soil until Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field . Battle fatigue: Members of historical re-enactment groups prepare to assume the role of Norman soldiers for the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey . There you go, dear: A woman hands a warrior his sword. The Battle of Hastings was the last successful invasion of Britain . The Battle of Hastings took place on October 14 1066 between the Norman-French army of Duke William II of Normandy and the English army under King Harold II. Harold II was killed - legend has it that he was shot in the eye with an arrow - and was the last English king to die in battle on English soil until Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field. The battle was a decisive victory for William, who became England's first Norman ruler. Echoes of history: Re-enactors strive to be as historically accurate as possible, even down to the food they eat . Cosy: A soldier takes a break. Even accommodation is as authentic as possible . Stoic: Like their real-life counterparts, the re-enactors have to lug their heavy weapons and armour around the battlefield . The battle is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, which also chronicled the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. An abbey was built on the site of the battle after Pope Alexander II ordered the Normans to do penance for killing so many people during their occupation. Camp: Soldiers travelled with cooks, armourers and a host of other supporters . Feeding time: Even young history enthusiasts can get in on the action at the annual event . Downfall: Participants take shelter from the downpour. Torrential rain forced organisers to cancel the battle re-enactment . Prepared: The chain mail armour the soldiers wear is roughly 10kg. The armour was expensive to produce and often looted in the aftermath of a battle .
History enthusiasts from all over Europe gather to recreate iconic battle .
However, heavy rain forces the clash to be cancelled amid safety concerns .
By . Sam Webb and Mario Ledwith . PUBLISHED: . 03:59 EST, 14 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 17:17 EST, 14 October 2012 . 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’. Walking wounded: A re-enactor helps a comrade away from the fighting. Every year history enthusiasts recreate the Battle of Hastings, a huge turning point in British history . Fog of war: One thousand and sixty six Saxon and Norman soldiers from re-enactment groups across Europe aimed to faithfully recreate the Battle of Hastings in 1066 . 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. Calm before the storm: Warriors take a break from the 'fighting'. Harold II was killed in the battle, the last English king to die in battle on English soil until Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field . Battle fatigue: Members of historical re-enactment groups prepare to assume the role of Norman soldiers for the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey . There you go, dear: A woman hands a warrior his sword. The Battle of Hastings was the last successful invasion of Britain . The Battle of Hastings took place on October 14 1066 between the Norman-French army of Duke William II of Normandy and the English army under King Harold II. Harold II was killed - legend has it that he was shot in the eye with an arrow - and was the last English king to die in battle on English soil until Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field. The battle was a decisive victory for William, who became England's first Norman ruler. Echoes of history: Re-enactors strive to be as historically accurate as possible, even down to the food they eat . Cosy: A soldier takes a break. Even accommodation is as authentic as possible . Stoic: Like their real-life counterparts, the re-enactors have to lug their heavy weapons and armour around the battlefield . The battle is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, which also chronicled the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. An abbey was built on the site of the battle after Pope Alexander II ordered the Normans to do penance for killing so many people during their occupation. Camp: Soldiers travelled with cooks, armourers and a host of other supporters . Feeding time: Even young history enthusiasts can get in on the action at the annual event . Downfall: Participants take shelter from the downpour. Torrential rain forced organisers to cancel the battle re-enactment . Prepared: The chain mail armour the soldiers wear is roughly 10kg. The armour was expensive to produce and often looted in the aftermath of a battle .
battle at what is thought to be the original site from re-enactment groups across Europe aimed to this weekend, unexpected torrential rain over