Bayeux - Battle of Hastings Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is a unique historical record, relating the events leading up to the Norman invasion of England, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings in 1066 between the armies of Harold, King of England, and William, Duke of Normandy. It is a primary source of historical information for the period and has been remarkably well preserved, having had various escapes from destruction on several occasions throughout its nine-hundred year history. The original tapestry is about 68 metres (224 feet) long by 50cm (20) high and is the only masterpiece of its kind in the world. It is generally thought that the tapestry was made in the south of England before 1082, possibly at either Canterbury or Winchester, and thereafter transferred to Bayeux in Normandy, home of Williams half-brother, Odon de Conteville. The tapestry is in fact embroidery on a linen backcloth using wools of various colours. This section of the tapestry depicts the epic Battle of Hastings in October 1066, when William, Duke of Normandy defeated King Harold and the English Saxons. Here the Norman Cavalry clashes with the English Infantry in bitter conflict as the battle commences. The Norman knights, backed by archers on foot, charge the English who are formed up behind a legendary shield-wall. The Latin text reads [CONTRA ANGLORUM EXERCITU] which translates [Here Duke William exhorts his soldiers that they prepare themselves manfully and] wisely for the battle against the English. In recent years, the tapestry has been conserved and housed in a new purpose-built Museum at Bayeux in Normandy.

This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a rod pocket on the back for hanging with an exclusive Heirloom flush-to-wall hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a decorative pole of your choice.