1. The Bayeux Tapestry

2. Not really a tapestry, but embroidered linen sheets stitched together
270 feet long and 20 inches tall
Mentioned as early as 1100 A.D.

3. Why is it Important?
It tells the story of the events leading to the Battle of Hastings
Told from a Norman Point of View
William at the Battle of Hastings

4. How would historical events be told today?

5. "Into Harold's hands I commit my Kingdom."
After reigning 23 years, Edward the Confessor dies in January 1066
He leaves no heirs
The strongest contender for the throne is his brother – in –law, Harold Godwinson

6. Harold is unanimously selected as king an is sworn in on the day of Edward’s Burial

7. However…
Years earlier, on 1064, Edward had decided to make his cousin William of Normandy his heir
He sends Harold to deliver the message
Harold is taken hostage by a Norman count…

8. But Harold is rescued by William
Harold swears allegiance to William, recognizing him as heir to the English throne

9. In 1066, William learns of the death of Edward and the subsequent coronation of Harold
How do you think he takes the news?

10. An Ominous sign for Harold
In the spring of 1066, Haley’s comet makes an appearance
The comet is believed to be a bad omen
What do the empty boats represent?

11. When he hears of Harold’s coronation, William begins building an invasion fleet
Favourable winds carry the fleet from Normandy to England in late September
William’s army makes its way towards Hastings

12. One of several panels depicting the Batlle of Hastings
A Saxon axe-man kills a Norman horse
Dead Normans and Saxons lie on the ground
The Normans knights would break through the Saxon defences

13. “Here King Harold was Killed”

14. William was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066.
With the death of Harold, the story of the Tapestry ends.
Panels that may have continued after the Battle of Hastings are missing. There are 50 scene depicted on the panel
Fortunately, the tapestry has survived, even though:
It was almost used to wrap and protect the contents of a wagon during the French Revolution
It was kept in an air raid shelter during World War II