What is the Bayeux Tapestry?

The Bayeux Tapestry is a well-known medieval stitched work that shows what happened before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It is almost 70 metres, or about 230 feet, in length. Many people call it one of the key visual records from the Middle Ages.

Even though the name says “tapestry,” it is not made that way. It is wool yarn stitched onto linen cloth. Along the way, it shows 58 separate scenes. Each scene includes Latin writing. The story ends with the Battle of Hastings, the main turning point. The work was made soon after the victory. It can tell us a lot about items used in the 11th century, like arms, clothes, and how armies fought.