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A section of the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the coronation of Harold Godwinson as king of England in 1066. The medieval embroidery shows Harold seated on a throne beneath an ornate canopy, surrounded by clergy, attendants and onlookers rendered in coloured wool thread on linen.
historyextra.com
The Bayeux Tapestry is a famous piece of history. It is one of the most important artifacts from the medieval world. The work is nearly 70 meters long. Experts believe it was made in the late 11th century. It records the dramatic events leading to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This was a key moment in history.
People often call it a tapestry. However, it is technically an embroidery. Artists sewed colorful wool threads onto linen cloth. The images look like modern cartoons. These vivid scenes show the rivalries and battles that shaped England. It gives viewers a unique window into the past. You can see history as people lived it.
For the first time in over 900 years, this artifact will be displayed in the United Kingdom. It will be part of a special exhibition at the British Museum in London. Usually, the embroidery is kept safe in Normandy, France. A historic agreement allows the French government to loan it to the UK.
The loan will allow the tapestry to travel. Its home museum in France needs repairs. The exhibition will last for ten months. This is a rare chance for people to see it. It is a big event for historians and art lovers.
The exhibition will open on 10 September 2026. It will stay open until 11 July 2027. The long schedule helps many visitors see it. For the first time, the tapestry will be displayed flat. It will be shown in one continuous length. This is a new way to display it.
The tapestry will be inside a special showcase. This new method lets visitors see its full size. You can appreciate the details as never before. Seeing the whole story unrolled helps you understand it better. It shows how the events connect.
Tickets go on sale on 1 July 2026. You can book them on the British Museum website. Tickets will be released in phases. This helps manage the crowd. The first release covers visits from September to December 2026.
More tickets will be released in October 2026. These cover dates from January to March 2027. Another release happens in January 2027. These cover April to July 2027. Booking early is a good idea. The exhibition is expected to be very popular.
The price depends on when you visit. Tickets range from £25 to £33. The cost changes based on the day and time. Weekends and holidays may cost more. Children under 16 enter for free. They must be with paying adults. This makes the exhibition good for families. The museum wants to keep costs fair. They want many people to attend.
The exhibition will show more than just the tapestry. It will place the work in the context of 11th-century England and Normandy. Visitors will see objects from the British Museum’s collection. There will also be loans from other museums. These items offer fresh views of the people in the story.
One key highlight is the Junius 11 manuscript. This manuscript influenced the tapestry’s design. Seeing these related items helps visitors understand the time. It shows the political and artistic climate. You can learn more about the causes of the conquest.
As you walk the length of the tapestry, look for famous scenes. Start with King Edward the Confessor’s deathbed. This event starts the power struggle. Next, look for Harold Godwinson’s oath to William. This promise later causes conflict. Notice Halley’s Comet. It is drawn as a sign of doom.
Watch for the gathering of Norman ships. This shows the size of the invasion force. Finally, view the Battle of Hastings. This is the climax of the story. You will see the moment Harold is killed.
The borders have small details. They contain animals and fables. These images invite close inspection. The story is not always clear. The Latin captions are short. This leaves room for interpretation. Every visit offers new perspectives. You can discover a deeper meaning in this epic tale.