stood to the last; and it was singularly adapted to the purpose. Two steep ravines or hollows almost meet in the centre of its rear, being only separated by the narrow ridge along which the High street of Battle runs; and streams flowing from these ravines wind round either flank, where they unite with water-courses flowing from the front. Thus the rear and flanks were almost inaccessible, and the one great danger of the English being out-flanked or taken in the rear was obviated . The dense woods to the rear and on the flanks increased this security. A portion of the forest on the east of this position still remains, under the name of Bathurst or Bodeherste (Great wood.) The post of honour, and of danger -- the right wing -- was claimed, as of custom , by the Kentish men ; the men of London guarded the centre and the standard ; and the worst armed men were stationed on the left, where the wood in their front left them practically unassailable. William 's superiority in numbers as regards disciplined troops, was thus in a great measure neutralised. He had to crowd his troops along a similar extent of ground, for he was hemmed in by Bathurst wood on his right, and by the waters of the Asten on his left. The extreme left of Harold 's position (not far from the present railway station ) could only be annoyed by light armed troops, if any portion of the forest stretched in front of it; and William 's horse and best infantry would therefore of necessity be posted opposite the centre and to the right of the Saxon array.
In suggesting such a disposition of the armies, it will be seen that I do not go with THIERRY in reckoning William 's -
