Bayeux Tapestry Displayed at British Museum as Video Explores Its Full Story
The Bayeux Tapestry, currently on display at the British Museum, is the centerpiece of a captivating video series called Deep Down History. This series offers an in-depth look at the tapestry's entire narrative, and for the first time, it presents Charles Stothard’s early color reproduction in a continuous format. Spanning 70 meters, the tapestry tells the story of the events leading up to the 1066 Norman Conquest of England, culminating in the Battle of Hastings. It highlights Harold Godwinson’s significant journey from Edward the Confessor’s court to Normandy, including his claim to the throne and William the Conqueror’s invasion. The tapestry also features medieval humor and lessons about keeping promises. The video, shared by Kottke and Open Culture, includes links to further resources like past analyses, digitization efforts, animations, and an app for your own tapestry creation.
Key facts
- The Bayeux Tapestry is on display at the British Museum.
- Deep Down History presents a deep dive into the Tapestry’s full story.
- The Tapestry is a 70-metre embroidered account of events leading to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
- The narrative culminates in the Battle of Hastings.
- The video uses Charles Stothard’s early colour reproduction, presented as a seamless scroll for the first time.
- The story follows Harold Godwinson’s journey from Edward the Confessor’s court to Normandy, his seizure of the Crown, and William the Conqueror’s invasion.
- The Tapestry includes medieval history, jokes, technical details, and a warning for those who break promises.
- The video was shared via Kottke and Open Culture, which also links to related content on the Tapestry.
Entities
Artists
- Charles Stothard
- Harold Godwinson
- Edward the Confessor
- William the Conqueror
- Odo of Bayeux
- Cnut
- Emma of Normandy
- Marc Morris
Institutions
- British Museum
- Deep Down History
- Open Culture
- Kottke
- Bayeux Cathedral
Locations
- Bayeux
- France
- England
- Normandy
- Hastings
- Canterbury
- United Kingdom