
Hundreds of historical re-enactors will take to the site of the Battle of Hastings tomorrow in celebration of its 950th anniversary - but some just couldn't wait to get their swords and shields out.

More than 1,000 people will take to the hillside where Harold was defeated tomorrow for a sold-out event as they relive the battle that changed English history.

For many it is the conclusion of a three-week tour that has seen them travel more than 300 miles across the country.

They set up camp today ahead of today's main event, and many were seen using technology of the time to grind grain, start fires and cook meat.

Both sides attack each other during a practice battle. A woman can be seen lying on the floor, presumably 'killed' in the fighting

More practice fighting. Hundreds of historical re-enactors will tomorrow take to the site of the battle almost a millenium after it was originally fought

One camper tends to some sausages to keep his troops fed ahead of the big battle, which is already a sell-out event

A huge melee ensues as one side goes on the offensive with their spears while the other side uses their shields to try and block them

Two men fight with swords 950 years to the day since other would have done the same, only for real, during the Battle Of Hastings

One re-enactor takes a moment to remove his helmet and look on at the battle unfolding in front of him

And some just could not wait to get stuck into the fighting, with large melees captured as well as lots of one-to-one combat.

Many historical groups will be participating in a large-scale re-enactment on the original site close to the present-day town of Battle, East Sussex.

Gerald Uhl, a 49-year-old research chemist from Bavaria, will be taking part with his family, and he joked in The Times: ‘We are here to bring you back to Europe,’

‘Stop Brexit!’

For some of those taking part tomorrow their three-week march began in York on September 25 and has taken them south on foot and on horseback in an echo of the journey King Harold made to fight in the battle.

Some members prepare to cook a deer ahead of the re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings

A child looks on as one member of the party grinds grain in preparation for the battle

A woman uses a pair of bellows to stoke up a fire as the campers warm up for their big battle tomorrow

Two other fighters who could not wait until tomorrow in order for the main event to get going

Both sides even had their own campsites where they cooked and rested. A man is pictured right lying down to enjoy a pre-battle snack

For some of those taking part have been on a three-week tour that has taken them south on foot and on horseback in an echo of the journey King Harold made to fight in the battle

The march, organised by English Heritage, travelled through the Fens and to Essex, visiting Waltham Abbey where tradition says Harold may have been buried.

Marching into central London, the re-enactors joined a pop-up Saxon encampment in Hyde Park on October 8.

In the final week of the journey, the group has travelled from Westminster into Kent and through the Weald to East Sussex, completing their version of Harold’s last journey, before arriving for the annual re-enactment.

Tim Benfield of the st Centingas historic re-enactment group poses for portraits in his home in Canterbury while wearing his replica armour

Elliot Aish also a member of the same group has been practising his fighting skills for the weekend in Broadstairs

Members of the st Centingas historic re-enactment group training in Birchington this month

It has been dubbed a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for all those taking part and events start today

Elliot Aish inhales from an electronic smoking device during a break in training

English Heritage marchers pictured in London on the latest leg of their march to recreate King Harold's final journey from York to Battle

WHEN AND WHY DID THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS TAKE PLACE? The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the Norman-French army of William, the Duke of Normandy, and an English army under the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson, 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. There continued to be rebellions and resistance to William's rule, but Hastings effectively marked the culmination of William's conquest of England. Advertisement

Nigel Amos, who is leading the 1066 march on behalf of English Heritage, said: 'I have been involved in re-enactment for many years and for me this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.'

Men, women, children, and horses will all be taking part in this special event, with some services starting today.

The Royal Engineers' band will be leading children and re-enactors in costume through streets of Battle at 2.15pm this Friday, followed by a service of remembrance at St Mary's parish church and at 6.10pm, there will be a lowering of the flags on Abbey Green at sunset.

On Saturday from 3pm – the battle begins with more than 1,100 people and for visitors who haven’t got tickets to the sold out event there are still encampments and weapon shows over the weekend.

Matthijs Demedts in his replica Norman clothing at his home in Dover

Matt Town, 'knight of Ramsgate' and his trusty... cat

Tim Benfield in his full kit ready for the battle which is set to start at 3pm this Saturday

Left to right: Elliot Aish and Matthijs Demedts ready with their weapons

But how many of these mighty men will make part of the fallen this weekend?