An acknowledgement of the success of the sixth Battle Conference requires a formal expression of thanks to those who made it possible, not least to those who contributed the papers here printed. In addition we give thanks to the British Academy for a further generous grant towards the expenses of overseas contributors, to the East Sussex County Council for continuing to sponsor the Conference in these hard times, and to the warden and staff of Pyke House - together with the management of our annexe, the ‘Chequers', next door - for the comfort and comforts provided. We are very much obliged, also, to the Headmaster of Battle Abbey School for allowing us to continue the tradition of holding our reception in the admirably appropriate surroundings of the abbey and the Abbot's Hall.

The Outing this year was principally directed to the ‘Lewes Group’ of church wall-paintings, in particular those of Clayton, Hardham and Coombes. It is especially well-integrated with the text that follows because it was led by Dr David Park who also read a paper on the subject, while Dr Gem has contributed his customary note arising from the Outing, this time upon the Templar church of Shipley, Sussex.

An unusual feature of the sixth Battle Conference was that the customary display of arms and amour by Mr Ian Peirce was developed into a mounted exhibition. It is not given to everyone to ride fully armed and accoutred up the hill of Hastings as Mr Peirce and the Director did. They both hope that the fact that they made a mess of it will be taken by the erudite company present, if not by the media also present, as further proof that Norman knights were professional in their expertise.

R. Allen Brown

Thelnetham, Suffolk

30 December 1983