The town of Bayeux is home to one of the most famous tapestries in the world: the Bayeux Tapestry. Here we reveal some of the secrets of this venerable tapestry, which for almost a thousand years now has told the epic story of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who set out to conquer England in 1066.
The Bayeux Tapestry was probably commissioned in the 11th century by Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror’s half-brother, to embellish his newly-built cathedral in Bayeux. It was almost certainly created in south-east England upon instruction by Bishop Odo, as he was also made Earl of Kent following the Norman Conquest. The embroidery was displayed in Bayeux Cathedral on 14 July 1077, and has remained in Bayeux ever since.
The primary purpose of the Bayeux Tapestry was to justify the Norman Conquest of England before God. In 58 scenes, it tells the story of the events surrounding this key event in Anglo-French history. The story starts in 1064, when Edward the Confessor, King of England, instructs his brother-in-law Harold Godwinson to travel to Normandy to offer his cousin William the succession to the English throne. Although the end of the embroidery is missing, the story ends with the Anglo-Saxons fleeing at the end of the Battle of Hastings in October 1066.
Secret n°1: Queen Mathilda had nothing to do with it!
Legend has it that Queen Matilda embroidered the Tapestry while waiting for her husband to return. In fact, the true author or authors are unknown. Most historians believe it was commissioned by William the Conqueror’s half-brother, Bishop Odon de Conteville, to decorate the nave of Bayeux Cathedral, which was then under construction. If you visit the cathedral, look out for Odon, who appears several times. You’ll easily recognise him by his tonsure!
Secret n°2: Its splendour has not been tarnished by the passage of time
Embroidered in Bayeux stitch, it is made from 10 colours of woollen thread and 9 panels of linen canvas. Over the centuries, wax stains and traces of rust have left their mark. If you look closely at it during a visit, you’ll easily spot them.
You may even notice that the last scene has been cut out, but it remains as beautiful as ever.
Secret n°3: A travelling piece of art!
In almost a thousand years, the Bayeux Tapestry has left Bayeux twice. Between 1803 and 1804, it spent a few months in the Louvre museum in Paris. Then, in the 20th century, it embarked on a real journey. During the Second World War, it passed through the abbey of Juaye-Mondaye near Bayeux, then Sourches (72), and finally Paris. The Tapestry even came close to being sent to Germany at Himmler’s request.
End summer 2025, work will begin on the new Bayeux Tapestry Museum, which will open in 2027, to mark the millennium of the birth of William the Conqueror. To meet this deadline, the current museum will have to be closed to the public after the 2025 summer season. While the museum is being built, right behind its current location, the Bayeux Tapestry will be kept in a storage area specifically designed for its conservation. There are also talks of lending the masterpiece to the British Museum in London, so watch this space!
Secret n°4: Let’s hear what the Tapestry has to say…
What if I were?
- A length: 68.38 metres precisely!
- A story: the raven and the fox, by Aesop… Look for them, they’re on my lower border.
- A number: 202, like the number of horses embroidered on my canvas.
- A plant: gaude, used to dye some of my threads yellow.
- A fan-fiction: episode 10 of season 19 of The Simpsons. You can see me in one of the scenes.
- A video game: Diablo 2. You can see me on one of the walls of my first home: Bayeux Cathedral.
- A detective novel: ‘Intrigue à l’anglaise’, which tells the story of a young curator in search of my last scene.
- An anecdote: on the other side of the Channel, artists have created an ‘Overlord embroidery’ which tells of the other landings: those of 1944.
And also a Normandy Experience!
In her boutique workshop, Chantal James will introduce you to Bayeux stitch embroidery. It’s a unique opportunity to share an ancient skill with friends or family. Children, adults and even teenagers will love it!
Important information
End summer 2025, work will begin on the new Bayeux Tapestry Museum, which will open in 2027, to mark the millennium of the birth of William the Conqueror. To meet this deadline, the current museum will have to be closed to the public from September 1st. While the museum is being built, right behind its current location, the iconic Bayeux Tapestry will temporarily return to England after 900 years and is due to go on display in the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery at the British Museum in the autumn of 2026.
Thematics