A four-part suite inspired by a fictional account
of the origin of the geoglyph, The Long Man of
Wilmington, in the book ‘The Spirit of the Downs’
by Arthur Beckett. Beckett imagines that The
Long Man was cut into the turf in honour of Woden
following victory in a great battle during the
Saxon invasions.

Part I: The Landing
From Haven Brow and Outbrook Bank, two hordes
of Romano-Britons watched out to sea. A fleet of
long black Saxon boats was rowing towards their
land. A relentless motion of oars handled by many
strong men. Cries of defiance were shouted across
the sea; the answering cries were equally fierce
and warlike. Cuckmere Haven was their chosen
landing, and their bows were set for it. And as the
water shallowed, they drew in their sweeps and
sprang into the sea.

Saxons striding towards the shore, Britons striding
to meet them. A huge shower of stones laid many
a Saxon low. Great grew the shouting. Loud grew
the shrieks of hurt. Bloody grew the water as the
blades cut into flesh and bone.

The Saxons, being the better fighting men, drove
the Britons back onto the shore, and even to the
downs, where the defenders took themselves for
safety. Regaining their boats, the Saxons
continued; rowing up Cuckmere River to make
camp in Friston Forest. The Saxons and Britons
both know that, come the morning, there will be
The Battle of Windover Hill.