Bayeux Tapestry is a medieval embroidery depicting the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It is remarkable both as a work of art and important as a source for 11th-century history. The tapestry is a band of linen 231 feet (70 metres) long, on which are embroidered, in worsteds of eight colours, more than 70 scenes representing the Norman Conquest. The story begins with Harold’s visit to his manor of Bosham on his way to Normandy in about 1064 and ends with the flight of Harold’s English forces from Hastings on 14th October 1066. Originally, the story may well have gone on further to chart Duke William’s triumphant progress to London and his coronation as King of England at Westminster Abbey, but the final part of the tapestry has perished. Along the top and the bottom run decorative borders with figures of animals, scenes from the fables of Aesop and Phaedrus, scenes from husbandry and the chase, and occasionally scenes related to the main pictorial narrative. It has been restored more than once, and in some details the restorations are of doubtful authority. The origin of the tapestry is not clear. But the most likely explanation is that it was made by seamstresses near Canterbury on the orders of Bishop Odo of Bayeux, Duke William’s half-brother, and unveiled at the consecration of Bayeux Cathedral in about 1070. It was not first referred to until 1476 when it was said that the tapestry was used once a year to decorate the nave of Bayeux Cathedral. It is not strictly a tapestry at all as it is actually an embroidery, sewn onto fine linen. True tapestries are woven on a loom. Today the tapestry still resides in Bayeux at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux. 

The tapestry is of greater interest than as a work of art. It is also important evidence for the history of the Norman Conquest, especially for Harold’s relation to William before 1066. Its story of events seems straightforward and convincing despite occasional obscurities. The decorative borders have value for the study of medieval fables.

The talk will tell the story of the tapestry in full and illustrate and explain most of the important scenes displayed.