The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth nearly 230 ft long, 20 inches tall and weighing in at nearly 350 Kgs. It tells the story of the 1066 Battle of Hastings between William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, and Harold, Earl of Wessex, later King of England. The tapestry consists of some fifty scenes with Latin captions, embroidered on linen with coloured woollen yarns. It is believed that it was commissioned by Bishop Odo, William's half-brother, and made in England, not Bayeux, in the 1070s. First written indication of it's existence was in 1476 when it was recorded in the cathedral treasury at Bayeux as "a very long and narrow hanging on which are embroidered figures and inscriptions comprising a representation of the conquest of England".
During the French Revolution in the 1800's it had actually been taken from the church and was going to be cut up to make wagon covers, because material was in short supply. Luckily, it was rescued and taken to safe storage. The happened in WWI and again in WWII. It was locked away safe until it could be brought out again.
What I found interesting was/is how strong the colors remain after all this time, which is probably a testament to the fact that it was seldom on display - only on special occasions such as high holy days or when very important dignitaries were in town.
The Bayeux Tapestry is registered in UNESCO as a Memory of the World
We were not allowed to take pictures of it but here are a few pictures I gleaned off the internet and a link to an animated video depicting the story on the Tapestry.
On our way - look! - they have electric beavers here
A lille mill wheel on a canal in town
taking shelter
look how worn these stones are from everyone stepping up to take a picture
Trees are espaliered - usually this is done to fruit trees,
but I don't know what these are
This one has been here for awhile, looks like it is growing a fir collar
Stopped for a coffee and Bill warned me that I should watch my arms
Backside of the cathederal
Lots of fancy work at the top
I think it may be a lightening rod - pretty fancy
A we though surveillance was a new thing - these guys are watching fom on high
More watchers
Doesn't this one under the gargoyle look like he is saying
"I'm keeping my eye on you"
Stepping into the church by the side entrance, the first thing
you see is this massive pulpit
here we go again with detailed work all over the place
This one in particular is amazing with all the different faces
then there is this couple embracing
And the stained glass
This one looks like it has some military significance in that these badges look like they belong to different military groups -
I see Polish and American insignia as well as several British ones
Don't forget to look up.......
......and down
...and even further down into the crypt
Incredibly natural light filled space
Exterior front of church
Look! I have a tea shop in Bayeux
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