BattlefieldsFrench Raid on Hastings and Seaford 1377
Medieval

French Raid on Hastings and Seaford 1377

1377
East Sussex, England
Also known as: Burning of Hastings 1377 · French coastal raids Sussex 1377
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
East Sussex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Hastings and Seaford townspeople
Forces
Hastings & Seaford defenders c.150-300.
VS
Victor
French raiders
Forces
French raiders c.800-1500
Outcome
Hastings burned; Seaford ravaged; Sussex coast temporarily abandoned by inhabitants
The Battle

History & Significance

The same 1377 French raiding campaign that burned Rye also struck Hastings and Seaford. Hastings was burned — the ancient castle already in ruins, offering no protection. Seaford was looted. The raids caused a demographic crisis in these coastal towns that would persist for decades. The contrast with the famous 1066 Norman landing at Pevensey nearby was not lost on contemporaries — England was now unable to defend its own shores.

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