Pevensey and its bay

We are actually between Norman's Bay and Pevensey Bay, even though the camping ground is called Norman's Bay Caravaning and Camping Ground.  And the area certainly has its charm, marshy, with shingle barriers between the land and the sea, but quiet at the moment, and bathed in sunshine. So peaceful.

About five minutes drive west is Pevensey Bay, which boasts some significant historical events.

In 1066, William the Conqueror landed here, when he invaded England, with his army of course. He then made his way inland and defeated King Harold and his army. One has to be careful to include their armies, otherwise it sounds as if there were only two men involved, William and Harold. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Pevensey Bay, became involved in the south sea smuggling trade.  Plenty of character building there.

Now it is a holiday destination for British people, plus some permanent residents living in low budget homes.   No tacky amusement arcades, thank goodness.  Just a very pleasant area, with a shingle beach.   

Lunch today was at Bateman's House, inland, but more about that in my next blog.  Great lunch, packed in our National Trust cooler bag, very appropriate for visiting a National Trust property.  

Pevensey, the village, is perhaps a little more upmarket than the bay.  Beautiful old buildings, and well preserved.

In Roman times Pevensey was a peninsula surrounded by a tidal lagoon and marshes, but the lagoon has now silted up, although much of the marshland is now a protected wildlife area.

Pevensey High Street, with the castle wall on the left.  We drove around the castle a couple of times yesterday, with the caravan, trying to find the camping ground.

Pevensey Castle, is now run by English Heritage.  It started out as a medieval castle and former Roman and Saxon fort.   It then fell into ruins but was rebuilt by the Normans after 1066.   During WWII it was occuped by the Home Guard, the British and Canadian armies and by the United States Army Air Corps.

Tonight we visited a pub in Pevensey, called the Smugglers Arms.   Great food, all freshly cooked.  Walter ordered lamb shanks, mash and vegetables and I ordered grilled plaice, new potatoes and salad.  Delicious.

Walter looking very happy.

It was great to see dogs in the bar, two beautiful black labradors and two fluffy highland terriers.  

We were also entertained by a large music group, as it was their practise night.  What more could one want.

But before I finish this blog I must comment on the friendliness of people here.  Makes such a difference to one's impressions of an area.