The Bayeux Tapestry – coming to England on loan from France … but not until 2022!

The Bayeux Tapestry – scenes 43, 44, 45 and 46

hIC TRAhUNT(UR): NAVES: AD MARE (Here the ships are dragged to the sea)

ISTI PORTANT: ARMAS: AD NAVES (These (men) carry arms to the ships)


Over 230 ft. long,  just under 20 inches high, comprising 89 embroidered scenes in eight sections with decorative borders along the top and bottom, the tapestry narrates – in Latin – the Norman conquest of England in the early 11th century.  The narrative covers the tumultuous two year period beginning in 1064 with King Edward the Confessor sending Harold to Normandy and culminating in Duke William’s invasion and the newly-crowned King Harold’s death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

To view the entire tapestry – scene by scene, teeming with details of medieval life, the courts and castles of kings, their servants and armies, land and sea vessels, livestock and hunting dogs, farming, weaponry, church and religious icons, with mythological figures including lions and dragons – a vibrant illustration of the life and fables of the Middle Ages – click here!

And where will it be exhibited?  No-one yet knows, but contenders include the British Museum (as firm favourite), Westminster Cathedral , Canterbury Cathedral and Hastings.

hIC hAROLD: REX INTERFeCTUS: EST
(Here King Harold has been killed)

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