The Bayeux Tapestry
Introduction
This is one of the greatest art treasures of Europe and records in remarkably fine and well preserved detail the build up and invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy leading to the defeat of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in the year 1066. It is housed in a specially-built tourist centre in Bayeux, France.
King William, Duke of Normandy is an extremely important figure in European history and he is largely responsible for the establishment of the systems running our daily lives. Under his edicts were formed the current Monarchy, the legal system, courts of Justice, civil service, bureaucracy and government.
The story in the Tapestry begins with King Edward the Confessor sitting in regal splendour with his brother in law, Earl Harold Godwinson. Harold sets sail for Normandy, to tell Duke William that King Edward has chosen him, William, to succeed to the Crown of England upon Edward’s death.
In England, Edward dies but Harold is crowned king. A comet has appeared in the sky (Halley’s) which is taken as a bad omen. When William hears the news he prepares an invasion fleet. The fleet lands near Hastings in Sussex, and meets Harold's troops in a fierce battle. After heavy losses Harold is famously killed by an arrow in his eye and the Saxons flee. The tapestry ends there at scene 58, but we may surmise the final scenes, 59 and 60 show William being Crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey.
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