UK Schoolchildren Invited to Create Missing Ending of Bayeux Tapestry
Art Explora, partnering with English Heritage, has launched an exciting textile competition called 'Beyond the Battle' for Key Stage 2 students, aged 7 to 11. This contest coincides with the Bayeux Tapestry's return to England. Kids are encouraged to design and stitch a final panel for the impressive 70-metre tapestry, imagining a brighter future. The tapestry, created between 1072 and 1077, will be on display at the British Museum from September 10, 2026, to July 11, 2027. Artist Jessica Grady will provide free resources for schools. Winning classes will get to visit the British Museum and a Norman site, while runners-up will explore a nearby English Heritage location. The competition kicks off in late September 2026, just ahead of the International Year of the Normans in 2027.
Key facts
- Art Explora and English Heritage have announced 'Beyond the Battle', a free nationwide textile competition for Key Stage 2 pupils aged 7–11.
- The competition coincides with the historic return of the Bayeux Tapestry to England.
- The Bayeux Tapestry ends abruptly, with its final section—believed to have depicted William the Conqueror's coronation—lost.
- Pupils will design and stitch their own final panel, imagining a better tomorrow.
- The Bayeux Tapestry will be displayed at the British Museum from 10th September 2026 to 11th July 2027.
- Public tickets for the exhibition through to the end of December 2026 sold out within days.
- Participating schools will receive free learning resources created by embroidery artist and educator Jessica Grady.
- Winning classes will receive a fully funded trip to London to see the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum and visit the site of the Battle of Hastings.
- The project coincides with the International Year of the Normans in 2027, marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror.
- Beyond the Battle launches in late September 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Jessica Grady
Institutions
- Art Explora
- English Heritage
- British Museum
- 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Locations
- UK
- London
- France