Op Normandie - Bayeux Tapestry

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.

Bayeux Tapestry

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.  

Bayeux Tapestry Museum

 

 

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.

Harold swears an oath to William and returns to England

  On 5th January 1066, King Edward dies, and on the 6th Harold was crowned as King.

Harold is crowned as King of England

 The news of Edward's death and Harold's coronation reaches William in Normandy. He is furious, claiming that the throne of England is his, and decides to invade England. An invasion fleet is built, stores and men loaded, and the Norman army sails for England.



Norman Invasion Fleet

The south coast of England is reached on 28th September 1066, the Normans landing at Pevensey, and then set off to Hastings.

Norman Army lands in England

 At Hastings they construct a moote castle and begin strengthening their base.

William builds a castle

 On 14th October 1066, Norman cavalry sets off in search of Harold's forces, and very soon contact is made and the Battle of Hastings begins.

Battle of Hastings

Fierce fighting ensures, and it is the Norman archers and cavalry which gain the upper hand, when Harold is killed by an arrow in the eye. With Harold dead, the battle is over and William the Conqueror becomes King of England.





Harold is killed by an arrow in the eye

William the Conqueror
King of England

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