The tapestry is of greater interest as a work of art. It is also important evidence for the history of the Norman Conquest, especially for Harolds relation to William before 1066; its story of events seems straightforward and convincing, despite some obscurities.

Why is the Bayeux Tapestry historical significance?

The Bayeux Tapestry is an account of the medieval period in Normandy and England like no other. It provides information about civil and military architecture such as castle mounds, armour consisting of a nasal helmet, hauberk and oblong shield and seafaring in the Viking tradition.

Why was the tapestry made?

It is called the Bayeux Tapestry because it has been kept at Bayeux in France probably ever since it was made. Who ordered the tapestry to be made? Williams half-brother Odo ( Bishop of Bayeux) ordered a tapestry to be made in honour of Williams victory at the Battle of Hastings.

Is the Bayeux Tapestry a useful source?

Arguably it is one of the most important pieces of medieval art from any century. A work of enormous skill, it has priceless value as a piece of art in itself, and it is also an important source - a vital piece of historical evidence - for a key moment in Britains national past.

What can we learn from the Bayeux Tapestry?

What can we learn from looking at the Bayeux Tapestry? It tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 through panels which depict scenes of battle and of daily life. Therefore, from looking at the pictures on the tapestry, we can out much about life during the time of the invasion.

Why is the Bayeux Tapestry biased?

The Bayeux tapestry is a French depiction of the events leading up to the battle, and the battle itself. It clearly shows that William was the rightful king because it was a biased source (remember that William was French and the tapestry is French).

Why do art historians consider tapestries to be so important?

Because tapestries are made of pliable fiber, they can be rolled up and are thus far more easily transportable than framed paintings. This flexibility permitted royalty, nobility, church dignitaries, and other wealthy tapestry owners to bring pieces with them on their travels.

Who paid for the Bayeux Tapestry?

The earliest known written reference to the tapestry is a 1476 inventory of Bayeux Cathedral, but its origins have been the subject of much speculation and controversy. French legend maintained the tapestry was commissioned and created by Queen Matilda, William the Conquerors wife, and her ladies-in-waiting.

Can the Bayeux Tapestry be trusted?

The tapestry is sometimes viewed as a type of chronicle. Because the tapestry was made within a generation of the Norman defeat of the Anglo-Saxons, it is considered to be a somewhat accurate representation of events. Based on a few key pieces of evidence, art historians believe the patron was Odo, Bishop of Bayeux.

Can the Bayeux Tapestry be biased?

The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings, where Duke William defeated King Harold. It is generally believed that the Bayeux Tapestry provides a biased account of the Conquest and has a pro-Norman view.

How did people make tapestries?

A tapestry is created by weaving coloured weft threads through plain warp threads. The warp threads are stretched on a loom and act as a grid for weavers to create a pattern with the coloured weft threads. At its simplest, a loom is formed of two rollers, between which the warp threads are strung.

How much does it cost to see the Bayeux Tapestry?

Admission tickets for the Bayeux Tapestry is €9 for adults, €4 for children, and free for under 10-year olds. The ticket includes the use of an excellent audio guide (14 languages), which explains the scenes on the Bayeux Tapestry in just over 20 minutes – pausing and rewinding is possible.

What is the value of the Bayeux Tapestry?

priceless The Bayeux Tapestry is considered to be priceless. Its value cannot be determined because it could never be replaced if it were to be destroyed or

How is the Bayeux Tapestry unreliable?

The tapestry, then, offers an early example of how unreliable historical sources can be. It also shows how political acts are justified after the event and how history bears down upon the present. And it shows the power of images - even 1,000-year-old images.

What happened to the Bayeux Tapestry in World War 2?

The Tapestry, together with most of the collections from the citys museum, was therefore removed and placed in a secure storage repository. In 1941, the Tapestry was transferred by van to the National Museums repository in Sourches (Sarthe region), where it remained until 26 June 1944.

Is it better to stay in Bayeux or Caen?

In addition to what Mona has said, Bayeux is also more convenient to the D-Day beaches than is Caen, and a number of D-Day tours leave from Bayeux. Plus, its a nice, walkable little town that has a number of good restaurants, such as Le Petit Normand, La Fringale, and Lion Dor. Go for Bayeux!

How long does it take to see the Bayeux Tapestry?

about 1:30 hour As a connoisseur of the Bayeux Tapestry, I recommend you visit about 1:30 hour. Firstly, on the ground floor, you have the Tapestry with an audio guide included. 14 languages are available. The visit of the Tapestry itself lasts 25 minutes.

Who actually made the Bayeux Tapestry?

The Bayeux Tapestry, although made for a Norman patron (probably Odo, named bishop of Kent after the Conquest), was almost certainly executed by English seamstresses, perhaps in Canterbury, who reveal themselves in their spelling of the tapestrys Latin labels and in their technique.