Battle of Hastings 950 years: just a pricey commemorative sheet and a pricier coin cover.

Fifty years ago the General Post office marked the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1966 with a set of 8 stamps printed by Harrison and Sons using the latest technology available, in 9 colours and gold blocking (and phosphor).  The set depicted scenes redrawn from the Bayeux Tapestry, and the 1st class (4d) value was issued in a strip of 6 showing a composite design.


The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the Norman-French army of Duke William II of Normandy and an English army under the Anglo-Saxon King Harold II, beginning the Norman conquest of England. It took place approximately 7 miles northwest of Hastings, close to the present-day town of Battle, East Sussex, and was a decisive Norman victory.

Issued on the anniversary of the battle 14 October, this year's offering from Royal Mail is one premium-priced (£14.99) Commemorative Sheet, also showing scenes from the tapestry, and an even more expensive cover containing a 50p coin - price £15.95.

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