Bayeux Tapestries

The world famous Bayeux Tapestries are reproduced today by Belgian and French tapestry mills on their jacquard looms and then hand finished. These medieval arts- 11th century historical masterpieces such as Mathilde, Battle of Hastings, William the conqueror and Duke of Normandy are still available today as reproduction tapestries. The original Bayeux tapestry is an embroidery that is roughly 20”tall and 230 ft long. It tells the story of the events leading upto and including the battle of Hastingson October 14th 1066. The images have been reproduced in many tapestries.

The Bayeux Tapestry has preserved the glory of the Norman Conquest of England, and the drama of Harold of Wessex and Duke William of Normandy for over 900 years. Usually attributed to William's wife Matilda, the Bayeux Tapestry in fact was more likely commissioned by William's half-brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux (also Earl of Kent), for display in the Bayeux Cathedral, which was consecrated just eleven years after Hastings. The 231-foot-long tapestry is a Norman document, but the style of the figures sewn in colored wools leads some scholars to believe that Englishmen from Canterbury actually stitched the Bayeux Tapestry. The Bayeux Tapestry was first mentioned in a 1476 inventory of the Bayeux Cathedral. In 1792, French revolutionaries used this historical tapestry as a wagon cover until it was rescued by a local lawyer. Scholars believe two missing panels at the end may have portrayed William on the throne of England.