BAYEUX TAPESTRY
The Bayeux Tapestry chronicles the events leading up to the William Duke of Normandy’s invasion of England in 1066, the landing on the south coast, and the defeat of Harold of England at the Battle of Hastings.
It is believed the Tapestry was commissioned by Bishop Odo, William’s half-brother, and made in England in the 1070’s. The embroidered cloth is nearly 70 metres (230 ft) long and 50 centimetres (20 in) tall. It depicts the events in 50 scenes.
It was probably displayed in churches and castles in Normandy and in
England, to tell the story of how Harold betrayed William, and how the latter
defeated him at the Battle of Hastings. Over the centuries it was displayed
annually in the cathedral at Bayeux. It was displayed in Paris in 1804 by
Napoleon, and by the occupying German forces in 1944.
It now resides in a former seminary in Bayeux.
It now resides in a former seminary in Bayeux.
BAYEUX TAPESTRY NARRATIVE
In 1064, Harold, the brother
in law of the King of England sails to Normandy, but lands in Ponthieu to it's
north, and is taken prisoner by Count Guy. On hearing Harold's plight, William,
Duke of Normandy demands his release. Count Guy accedes to William's demand
takes Harold to William.
Harold joins William in his
battle against Duke Conan of Brittany, finally defeating him at Dinan. William
rewards Harold for his assistance. They both return to Bayeux where Harold
swears a solem oath on holy relics to support William, before returning to
England.
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| Harold swears an oath to William and returns to England |
 |
| Harold is crowned as King of England |
 |
| Norman Invasion Fleet |
 |
| Norman Army lands in England |
 |
| William builds a castle |
|
| Battle of Hastings |
 |
| Harold is killed by an arrow in the eye |
 |
| William the Conqueror King of England |
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