Readers debate medieval art and the Bayeux tapestry's English origins

A series of letters responds to Jonathan Jones's article on medieval art beyond the Bayeux tapestry. Roy Musgrove notes that the tapestry was likely embroidered by Anglo-Saxon Kent women, whose husbands may have died at Hastings, and that this English embroidery, known as Opus Anglicanum, was renowned across Europe before 1066. He argues that Norman rule forced its creation and that Norman architecture merged with Anglo-Saxon culture rather than replacing it. Rev Tim Evans criticizes Jones's claim that medieval art is free, pointing out that churches and cathedrals cost millions to maintain, and that the government has ended VAT exemption on church repairs, increasing costs by 20%. Heather Welford recommends Newcastle upon Tyne's 12th-century Norman keep as a well-preserved example. Paul Smith lists pre-Norman treasures like the Lindisfarne Gospels, Sutton Hoo, the Alfred Jewel, and the Staffordshire hoard, arguing that Norman art was designed to dominate a defeated society. Robert Tilleard suggests Simon Jenkins's book 'England's Thousand Best Churches' for free beauty.