Below is a Brief History of the society taken from various sources of research. More In-depth information
is available in the `older years` section of the Website, with new information being researched and added all the time.
1646 -
Earliest currently known records of an organised Bonfire Celebration in the Town of Battel. St Mary`s Church
allocated funds for gunpowder treason rejoicing.
1676 (approx) -
John Hammond (Church Warden), Turns the Peppering Eye Watermill into a Gunpowder mill, and was believed to have been
the first gunpowder mill in Battle and the town went on to be known as the finest gunpowder makers in england,
`best perhaps in europe`, supplying even the Royal Navy with gunpowder, along with Oak and other timbers. This remained open until
1874 when the Duke of Cleveland Refused to renew the licence to make gunpowder.
1686 -
Church Wardens, Thomas Longley and John Hammond are in charge of allocated St Mary`s Church Funds and allot
17 Shillings and 6 Pence for Gunpowder treason rejoicing.
1795 (approx) -
The Head of the Battel Bonfire Guy is created, carved from a local tree. The Bodies were Yearly burnt until approx. 1908.
1830 (approx)-
Earliest known Chairman, William Brett, takes control of the Battle Bonfire Boys, Predating the forming of
other societies in Sussex by at lest 10 years. William Brett is Chairman until at lest 1871.
1851 - using an Etching of Sussex Martyrs being burnt, Sussex Historian, Mark Antony Lower of Lewes, reprints and edits John Foxes
account in the `Book of Matyrs` and creates the Cult of Sussex Martyrs, basing events on Battle Bonfire Celebrations. However, he does not
directly create Lewes Bonfire, it began the following year, by his `followers`, and he publicly disapproved of the excesses of Bonfire Boys.
1857 -
Earliest Known subscription List is attached to the Yearly Address. Subscription rate Varies between 5 shillings
to 1 Shilling.
1870 -
Earliest Known Battle Bonfire Effigy is created and blown up. This Effigy was of John Jones, the Denham Murderer.
1906 -
Sussex Country Council ban Bonfires near public Highways. Battel Bonfire Boyes rename themselves `Battle Hill
Bonfire Boys` and move to Battle Hill, just outside of the town (infact, the field opposite to where the
bonfire is currently held), and away from the public highway. This lasts
a short time before renaming to `Battle & Battle Hill Bonfire Boys` and then back to `Battle Bonfire Boys`.
1908 (approx) -
A new Guy Body is created by Mr Barrow, owner Of Battle Antiques.
1939 -
From the Start of the World War 2 Blackouts, Most Bonfire Societies disband until the end of the Blackouts around
1945. However, The Battle Bonfire Boyes remain Active and are allowed to place a single candle in the Bull ring,
where the Bonfire should be located, every November 5th.
1940s - 1950s -
the Current body to the Guy is created.
1950s -
The Homemade `Battle Rouser` Firework is banned.
1964 (approx) -
The First Saxon/Norman Chainmail Costume was worn by Battel Members. It officially became the Main Costume in the
Late 70s
1976 -
Trustees of the Webster estate sell Battle Abbey. In the end, it is brought by
american benefactors for £636,200 and hand over to the Department of the Environment.
This was later taken over by the Historic Building and Monuments Commission for England
(English Heritage), when it was created in 1983.
1981 -
Battel Bonfire Boyes have to start charging Money for the Yearly Programme.
1983 -
Because of High police marshalling of the Battel Bonfire Boyes at Rye Bonfire, the previous year, The Socitiy Adopt a
secondary uniform, that of a classic style Convict.
1989 -
Due to bad weather the last few years and a total raised amount 75p, The Annual Summer Faye is cancelled after the last one. These were
later brought back in 2007.
1990 -
Ex-Vice Chairman, John Goldsmith, leaves the Battel Bonfire Boyes to reform Robertsbridge Bonfire Society with
Kate Noble.
1991 -
Monthly Meetings are moved from the Priory House Hotel, to the 1066 Public House. The Year also marks the Last Fun Run until 2009.
1995 -
Keith Leech & John Beeching Leaves Battel Bonfire Boyes to reform Hastings borough Bonfire Society.
1996 -
Due to Health and Safety, the growing crowds and effigy Power & Size, Battel Bonfire Boyes reluctly leave the Abbey Green and hold the main event
on the Battle Town recreation ground. This is a last mintue change and from 1997 onwards, the event takes place on the Battle Field, behind Battle Abbey
with a token Bonfire and Fireworks on the Abbey Green itself.
2007 -
Battle Bonfire Summer fayre relaunches.
2009 -
Battle 10k Fun Run relaunches.
