Britain's Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most famous pieces of medieval art. It is 70 metres long, and chronicles the legendary tale of the Norman conquest of England, when William the Conqueror invaded and defeated King Harold Godwinson.

In the late 19th century, an extremely ambitious project was undertaken by a group of Victorian embroiderers to recreate the Bayeux Tapestry in full, painstakingly reproducing every single detail, stitch-by-stitch, so that the Tapestry's timeless story could be enjoyed by the people of Britain.

Today, this artwork, Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry, is held at Reading Museum and displayed in our specially designed Bayeux Gallery.

For many years we have shared our Victorian replica with audiences across the world via our online version of the Bayeux Tapestry. Discover the full Tapestry's story and many facts about this remarkable artwork. Click on a scene below to start exploring. Use our zoom tool to see the Tapestry up close. And if you are viewing the Tapestry on a mobile device, be sure to rotate it to landscape, so that you can enjoy the finest details at the highest possible quality.

 

Chapter 1: Journey to Normandy

Scene 1

The story of Britain's Bayeux Tapestry begins.

Scene 2

Harold enters the church at Bosham, before embarking on his ship.

Scene 3

Harold sails and arrives in France, only to be captured by Count Guy.

Chapter 2: The Prisoner

Scene 1

Despite being Count Guy's prisoner, Harold is treated with respect.

Scene 2

Messengers from William of Normandy arrive at Guy's court.

Scene 3

News is brought to William that Guy has seized Harold.

Chapter 3: The Mysterious Lady

Scene 1

William and Harold ride to Rouen.

Chapter 4: Brothers in Arms

Scene 1

Harold, William and the Norman army fight Duke Conan of Brittany.

Scene 2

The Normans attack Dol, and Duke Conan flees.

Scene 3

The Normans capture Conan, who surrenders.

Chapter 5: The Oath

Scene 1

Harold swears an oath to William on holy relics.

Chapter 6: The Return

Scene 1

Harold returns to the court of King Edward.

Chapter 7: The King is Dead...

Scene 1

Edward passed away on the 5th January 1066.

Chapter 8: ...Long Live The King

Scene 1

Harold is crowned King of England on the same day as Edward's funeral.

Chapter 9: Planning The Invasion

Scene 1

William makes a crucial decision.

Scene 2

William prepares to invade and builds his fleet.

Scene 3

The boats are loaded.

Chapter 10: The Crossing

Scene 1

The crossing of the Channel begins.

Scene 2

Boats of soldiers and horses fill the sea, as the invasion begins.

Chapter 11: Beachhead

Scene 1

The Normans land in England.

Scene 2

A feast is prepared in the open air.

Scene 3

The Normans build fortifications and pillage.

Chapter 12: William Rides to War

Scene 1

William dons his armour and gallops to fight Harold.

Scene 2

William rides to war.

Scene 3

An English lookout sees the Norman army. William rallies his troops.

Chapter 13: The Battle of Hastings

Scene 1

The Battle of Hastings begins.

Scene 2

As the Norman cavalry flanks, the English soldiers build a shield wall

Scene 3

The battle rages on, and both of Harold's brothers perish.

Scene 4

The battle rages on, as Bishop Odo makes an appearance.

Scene 5

After falling from his horse, William reveals his face.

Scene 6

The most famous moment of the Tapestry: Harold's death.

Scene 7

With Harold dead, the battle is over.

Learn more about the Tapestry

Produced with generous funding from Museums Partnership Reading and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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