The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth that is approximately 70 meters (230 feet) long and 50 centimeters (20 inches) wide, depicting the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England, as well as the conquest itself. It specifically illustrates the story of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, and his victory over Harold Godwinson, the Anglo-Saxon King of England, at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Click here to read our introduction to Bayeux
Created in the 11th century, likely between 1070 and 1080, the Bayeux Tapestry is not a true tapestry, as it is embroidered rather than woven. It is made of linen and embroidered with wool yarn in eight different colors, using only two main stitch types: stem stitch and laid-and-couched work. The tapestry features 50 different scenes with Latin inscriptions, bordered by various decorative elements, animals, and mythical creatures.
While the exact origins of the Bayeux Tapestry remain uncertain, it is believed to have been commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror. Some theories suggest it was created by a team of skilled artisans in England, as the style of the work and the Latin inscriptions resemble those found in Anglo-Saxon embroidery.
The Bayeux Tapestry is considered an important historical artifact, as it provides a rare visual representation of medieval life, military strategies, and the events surrounding the Norman conquest. It is currently displayed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux, Normandy, France, and has been on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register since 2007.
The Museum
The Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, also known as the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, was established to provide a suitable environment for the display, protection, and interpretation of this important historical artifact.
Click here to see where the museum is located on Google Maps
The museum is housed in the former Grand Seminary of Bayeux, an 18th-century building that has been carefully restored and adapted for its current purpose. Visitors to the museum are guided through a well-designed exhibition space that offers a rich and informative experience. The tapestry itself is displayed in a climate-controlled, dimly lit gallery to ensure its preservation. Visitors can view the entire length of the tapestry and observe the intricate details and scenes up close.
In addition to the display of the Bayeux Tapestry, the museum offers a range of educational resources and multimedia presentations to help visitors understand the historical context, techniques used in the creation of the tapestry, and the significance of the depicted events. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions related to the tapestry and the Norman Conquest, as well as other aspects of medieval history and art.
Conclusion
The Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux is not only an important cultural institution but also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who wish to see the famous tapestry and learn about the history it represents.