Bayeux Tapestry
1066 and all that
It is well known that William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England in 1066 and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings and was crowned King of England on Christmas Day of the same year at Westminster Abbey.
However much of what we know about the events leading to the Conquest and the subsequent period we have had confirmed by the astonishing needlework of 11th Century nuns working for Bishop Odo, William half brother.
The Tapestry itself, or more accurately the Embroidery, is a remarkable piece of work consisting of several panels 70 metres long and 50 cms high depicting famous scenes such Edward the Confessor promising the throne of England to William, William’s fleet embarking and the Battle itself.
In many ways we are fortunate still have the Tapestry with us as there have been times when it could easily have been damaged. Indeed for seven centuries it was kept in the Treasury of Bayeux Cathedral and moved around around France until it finished up in the former Seminary where it remains to this day.