Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

A unique survival from the 11th century, the Bayeux Tapestry was made for Bishop Odo of Bayeux to be shown in the town's cathedral. It is, in fact, an embroidered work, 50 cm (19 3/4in) high and 70.34m (230ft 10 1/4in) long, on eight linen panels, each of which was probably made up in a different studio. It tells the story of William the Bastard's invasion of England and victory over Harold at Hastings as seen from the Norman point of view.The task of creating it was prodigious. It incorporates 626 human figures, 190 horses or mules, 35 hounds and 506 other animals, 37 ships, 33 buildings and 37 trees or clumps of trees. It is thus not merely a triumphal celebration of conquest, but a visual and detailed guide to life and war nearly a thousand years ago.That it survives at all is remarkable, and that all visitors with a few francs in their pockets can see it for themselves in the special gallery in the Bishop's Palace in Bayeux is an opportunity not to be missed.

See also: Bayeux; Hastings; Harold; Odo; William

Read our online History of the Norman Conquest

• What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
• Who Created the Bayeux Tapestry and Why?
• How was the Bayeux Tapestry Made?
• The History of the Tapestry

Related Reading:

• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition) - The Fall of Saxon England
  (Campaign 13 )
• Campaigns of the Norman Conquest
  (Essential Histories 12)