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