Tapestry in Time

On the way out to the Normandy beaches, you virtually have to go through the town of Bayeux. Since this was the case, I wanted to stop in and start our visit to Normandy with some older history. Bayeux is famous for a tapestry that they house called, not surprisingly, the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the epic story of William of Normandy’s conquest of England in 1066.

Where to start? This is a remarkable piece of needlework. It is technically embroidery, not tapestry, since colored wool thread was sewn onto a long linen scroll. Scroll is the best word to use since it is like a scroll, 20 inches wide by 230 feet long (yes, it is VERY long). The origin is a bit sketchy but it is believed to have been commissioned by William’s half brother Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux. The purpose for the tapestry is unclear but we do know it was displayed in the Cathedral in Bayeux once a year to commemorate William’s victory. It is also quite a lucky object, having survived the French revolution, Napoleonic plans for it, as well as WWI and WWII. Truly, a piece of needlework from 1067 to have survived to 2008 is remarkable.


The tale told on the tapestry starts in England with King Edward the Confessor sending an emissary to William in Normandy to notify him of Edward’s desire that he should succeed Edward upon his death, since he did not have a son and heir. Harold Godwinson, a powerful Earl, was responsible with this message but the trip did not go as planned. First there was a storm, followed by capture, finally finding release into William’s care after much negotiating. William requires Harold to swear loyalty to him (as heir apparent) and then sends him back to England.

Harold arrives home to be reprimanded by Edward (not sure here why) and then Edward dies. Harold is then crowned King, the plot thickens. When William finds out, he is furious and starts preparation for war to claim his stolen crown. The war preparations and travel over to England from Normandy are particularly fascinating on the tapestry. The battle is bloody and long but William eventually secures victory. The tapestry’s story ends here, which is why most historians believe that there is a section missing. Perhaps the missing segment shows William’s march through Kent to London and his eventual coronation as King.


The museum did an excellent job with the audio tour walk around the tapestry and not only did we enjoy the history lesson, but the artistry of work and the sheer survival of it were remarkable. I was tempted to purchase and try my hand at the embroidery of a section (in the gift shop which you had to walk through in order to leave), but it was REALLY expensive, and I don’t know what I would do with it once I finished it. D was glad that I had had this discussion in my head so that he didn’t have to have it with me in the museum shop.

Some interesting facts we learned while taking this wonderful trip down English history lane are as follows:
1. William had quite the promotion in name with the successful campaign against England. William was the illegitimate son of Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy and Herleva, a tanner’s daughter. William inherited his father’s title and land upon his death (since he didn’t have a legitimate son, a bit of a theme here) and then fought hard to keep it, since there were quite a few who didn’t want to recognize a bastard as their leader – which is what he was known as, William the Bastard. After his success in 1066, he became known as William the Conqueror. Not bad promotion. I liked his father’s “Magnificent” better, but Conqueror is nothing to complain about.

2. Scholars believe that Haley’s Comet is depicted on the tapestry. In the Middle Ages, comets were believed to be warnings of impending doom. This comet appeared 4 months after Harold’s coronation (April 24). The common belief was that God disapproved of Harold’s treachery and sent a sign to show it. Naturally these beliefs were strengthened with Harold’s defeat and death within a year.
3. There are a few sections of the tapestry that aren’t understood. One was called The Mysterious Lady. It depicts the Bishop touching or slapping the face of a young woman. Some believe that this is William’s daughter who was betrothed to Harold (in coordination with the oath of loyalty), but then the slapping doesn’t make any sense. Some believe that it depicts some kind of sexual scandal that was well known at that time, but then why put it in this tapestry commemorating William? Interesting
4. The scenes of everyday life on the border of this tapestry are some of the best resources historians have for the social history regarding food, clothing, tools and life of the 11th century. The military history of battle and implements for battle are also valuable. It really was just a remarkable piece of work.

For those interested in seeing the tapestry, I found a wonderful resource that shows you section by section the whole thing, with a brief description of what is happening. I am sorry that the detail isn’t better, but you loose out on content if you go up closer. I love history and being in a place where you experience such a depth of it is beyond a treat. I truly appreciate bits of history like this that are unique - different than the standard paintings or pottery or pieces of metal. I guess since I do handwork as well, my appreciation is greater. Here it is:

http://www.bayeuxtapestry.org.uk/BayeuxContents.htm