The Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is in fact an embroidery of wool on linen cloth made in the 11th century. The story unfolds over a length of 70 meters and a width of 50 cm - told in simple terms but displaying a wealth of details. The events portrayed took place during the expedition to England made by William Duke of Normandy’s army. The tapestry concludes with a gripping depiction of the Battle of Hastings. It is presently exhibited in a special museum in Bayeux, Normandy, France.

Since the earliest known written reference to the tapestry in a 1476 inventory of the Bayeux Cathedral, its origins have been the subject of much speculation and controversy.

Traditionally, particularly in France, it's been assumed that the tapestry was commisioned and created by Queen Matilda, William the Conqueror's wife, and her ladies. However recent scholarly analysis in the 20th century shows it probably was commissioned by William the Conqueror's half brother, Bishop Odo. The reasons for the Odo commision theory include: three of the bishop's followers mentioned in Domesday Book appear on the tapestry; it was found in Bayeux Cathedral, built by Odo; it may have been commissioned at the same time as the cathedral's construction in the 1070s, possibly completed by 1077 in time for display on the cathedral's dedication.

Assuming Bishop Odo commisioned the tapestry, it was probably designed and constructed in England by Anglo-Saxon artists given that: Odo's main power base was in Kent, the Latin text contains hints of Anglo Saxon, other embroideries originate from England at this time, and the vegetable dyes can be found in cloth traditionally woven there. Assuming this was the case, the actual physical work of stiching was most likely undertaken by skilled seamstresses, probably nuns from St. Augustine's, Canterbury.

However, particularly in France, it is still sometimes maintained that it was made by William's queen, Matilda of Flanders, and her ladies. Indeed, in France it is occasionally known as "La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde" (Tapestry of Queen Mathilda). The tapestry is a French national treasure and its possible Anglo-Saxon artistic heritage has remained a point of controversy.

The tapestry next re-appears in 1750 when it was referred to in the text Palaeographia Britannicus. It almost disappeared entirely from history when the people of Bayeux - who were fighting for the Republic - used it as a cloth to cover an ammunition wagon, but luckily a lawyer who understood its importance saved it and replaced it with another cloth. In 1803 Napoleon seized it and transported it to Paris. Napoleon wanted to use the tapestry as inspiration for his planned attack on England. When this plan was cancelled, the tapestry was returned to Bayeux. The townspeople wound the tapestry up and stored it like a scroll. (Crack 1) AFter being seized by the Ahnenerbe, the tapestry spent much of World War II in the basement of the Louvre. (Setton, 209) It is now protected on display in a museum in a dark room with special lighting behind sealed glass to minimize damage from light and air.

The tapestry tells the story of the conquest of England by the Normans. The two sides can be distinguished on the tapestry by the customs of the day: The Normans shaved the back of their heads, while the Anglo-Saxons had mustaches.

While political propaganda or personal emphasis may have somewhat distorted the historic accuracy of the story, the Bayeux tapestry presents a unique visual document of medieval arms, apparel, and other objects unlike any other artifact surviving from this period that has been found. However, it has been noted that the warriors are depicted fighting with bare hands, while other sources indicate the general use of gloves in battle and hunt.