The Bayeux Tapestry

The Norman Conquest of England

1066

Birth of England Vikings

to Normans

who conquered the

Saxons

What is the Bayeux Tapestry? A piece of linen cloth

with woollen needlework stitching

Technically not a tapestry, but an embroidery

231 feet by 20 inches 8 colors 72 scenes

Plot of the Tapestry

The tapestry tells the story of the Norman conquest of England. Events leading up to the 1066 Norman invasion The invasion and battle itself

Cast of the Tapestry

Edward the Confessor, King of England (1042 - Jan 1066)

Harold Godwin, King of England (Jan - Oct 1066)

William of Normandy, King of England(Oct 1066 - 1087)

Bishop Odo of Bayeux

Origins of the Tapestry Commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux,

William’s half-brother Made in England between 1070-80 by women

in Kent On completion, sent to cathedral in Bayeux,

France

What can you see in it? 626 Human Figures

3 Kings 3 Women

11 battle scenes 55 Dogs 202 Horses 33 buildings 41 ships 57 inscriptions in Latin

Who’s who?

Normans

Saxons

The Battle of Hastings – October 14, 1066

William (France) versus Harold (England)

William’s 12,000 men versus Harold’s 7,000 men

Foot soldiers, archers and cavalry fought all day

Normans won

Edward dies

Harold is crowned king

William meets with court

Building the ships

Loading the ships

Loading the ships

Sailing across the English Channel

Offloading

William puts on armor

Saxons gather

Normans charge

Normans attack & Saxon shield wall

Fighting

Fighting

That’s got to hurt

Normans chase fleeing Saxons

Bayeux Tapestry