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Bayeux Tapestry Scenes

Medieval life and Times

Interesting Information about the History of the Bayeux Tapestry Scenes
Interesting information and important facts about the history of the Bayeux Tapestry Scenes. The Bayeux Tapestry is not actually a tapestry at all - it is an embroidery!  Coloured wool was used to embroider important scenes which led up to the Norman invasion of England and the Battle at Hastings in 1066.

The Bayeux tapestry consists of eight long strips of unbleached linen which have been sewn together to form a continuous panel - this linen forms the background of the Bayeux tapestry. The Bayeux tapestry is about 20 inches high and 230 feet long. The Bayeux Tapestry consists of a series of seventy-two scenes, or pictures, done about the time of  the accession of William the Conqueror to the throne of England. The first section of Bayeux tapestry scenes illustrate the events leading to the Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings. The second section of Bayeux tapestry scenes illustrate the preparations and the Norman Invasion fleet. The third section of Bayeux tapestry scenes illustrate the events of the Battle of Hastings

The Bayeux Tapestry Scenes
The Bayeux tapestry scenes. What did the Bayeux tapestry scenes depict?

The first section of Bayeux tapestry scenes illustrate the events leading to the Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings

  • King Edward the Confessor talking to his brother-in-law Harold, Earl of Wessex in 1064

  • Harold Godwinson's Journey To Normandy

  • Harold is taken prisoner by the Normans

  • Duke William of Normandy and Harold ride with soldiers to Rouen

  • William and Harold and the Norman soldiers are allies as they travel fight Duke Conan of Brittany

  • William honours Harold Godwinson with a gift of arms

  • Harold is depicted as swearing an oath to William

  • Harold returns to England and talks to King Edward the Confessor

  • The death of King Edward the Confessor

  • Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England on 6th January 1066

The second section of Bayeux tapestry scenes illustrate the preparations and the Norman Invasion fleet

  • Duke William who believes he should be King of England plans the Norman invasion with his half brother Bishop Odo of Bayeux

  • The next Bayeux tapestry scenes show preparations of the invasion fleet. The ships are loaded with weapons. armor, food and drink

  • The next Bayeux tapestry scenes show the invasion fleet, led by Duke William, crossing the channel.

  • Horses, weapons and soldiers are illustrated. Pre-built wooden castles are also loaded on the ships

The third section of Bayeux tapestry scenes illustrate the events of the Battle of Hastings

  • On 28th September 1066 the fleet lands at Pevensey in England

  • A feast is prepared attended by Duke William and his nobles Bishop Odo is shown saying grace

  • A Motte and Bailey castle is built at Hastings

  • On 14th October 1066 Duke William is depicted in full armour, about to mount his horse. The Norman cavalry rides off to fight the English led by King Harold

  • King Harold is shown getting ready to fight the Normans

  • The battle of Hastings begins and the Bayeux tapestry scenes show the English and Norman soldiers with their armor and weapons fighting, some lay dead

  • The slaughter continues and the Bayeux tapestry shows slaughtered soldiers and horses

  • The Normans are shown killing King Harold who is first shot with an arrow in his eye and then hacked to death by Norman soldiers

  • The Normans win victory over the English at the Battle of Hastings

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