
Why is the Bayeux Tapestry not really a tapestry?
Why is the Bayeux Tapestry Not a tapestry? It is likely that it was commissioned by Bishop Odo, William’s half-brother, and made in England—not Bayeux—in the 1070s. The designs on the Bayeux Tapestry are embroidered rather than in a tapestry weave, so that it does not meet narrower definitions of a tapestry. Is Bayeux Tapestry worth visiting?
Why was Bayeux tapestry so important for historians?
Why is the Bayeux Tapestry important to historians? 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 Harold’s relation to William before 1066; its story of events seems straightforward and convincing, despite some obscurities.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry really called?
The Bayeux Tapestry is often described as a sort of medieval comic book, but, in fact, it shows a narrative type called “continuous narrative,” meaning that the story flows from one event to another with very few framing devices. It resembles the modern medium of film more than it does a comic book.
Is the Bayeux Tapestry a reliable source?
The Bayeux Tapestry is not considered a very reliable source for some kinds of information but is reliable for other information. Secondly, how many meters of the Bayeux Tapestry are missing? The last part of the tapestry is missing, but many scholars believe it carried the story through to the coronation of William the Conqueror.

What is the Bayeux tapestry and what does it represent?
The Bayeux Tapestry is a masterpiece of 11th century Romanesque art, which was probably commissioned by Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror's half-brother, to embellish his newly-built cathedral in Bayeux in 1077. The Tapestry tells the story of the events surrounding the conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy.
Why is the Bayeux Tapestry important?
Why is the Bayeux Tapestry Important? The stories of the Norman invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings are significant and familiar parts of medieval history. Illustrated within the tapestry are several important events that led up to the Battle of Hastings as well as the visual preservation of medieval life.
Who made the Bayeux Tapestry and why?
The Bayeux Tapestry was probably commissioned in the 1070s by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror. It is over 70 metres long and although it is called a tapestry it is in fact an embroidery, stitched not woven in woollen yarns on linen.
What is interesting about the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry tells one of the most famous stories in British history – that of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, particularly the battle of Hastings, which took place on 14 October 1066. The Bayeux Tapestry is not a tapestry at all, but rather an embroidery.
What is the value of the Bayeux Tapestry?
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 stolen. It will also never be sold. Although it is called a 'tapestry,' the Bayeux Tapestry is actually a piece of embroidery.
In what ways can the Bayeux Tapestry be considered monumental?
The Bayeux Tapestry is considered monumental because it shows historic event while being a 230 feet long linen frieze. The contemporary manuscript illumination is similar because it reminds the viewers of the monumental figures.
What purpose do you think the Bayeux Tapestry served quizlet?
It is believed that the man who ordered the Tapestry to be made was Bishop Odo of Bayeux. He was William's half-brother and his cathedral in Bayeux was made holy in 1033. It is possible the tapestry was made to celebrate both William's victory at Hastings and the completion of Odo's cathedral.
What is tapestry used for?
tapestry, woven decorative fabric, the design of which is built up in the course of weaving. Broadly, the name has been used for almost any heavy material, handwoven, machine woven, or even embroidered, used to cover furniture, walls, or floors or for the decoration of clothing.
What is the Bayeux tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most famous and recognisable historic documents in the world, telling the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, with a focus on the battle of Hastings and the showdown between William of Normandy and King Harold II . Here we examine the history of the tapestry, the story it tells, ...
When was the Bayeux Tapestry created?
We do not have a precise date for when the Bayeux Tapestry was created but the academic consensus is that it must have been produced very soon after the events it depicts. This means that it is a key primary source for students of the Conquest period.
Where did Harold swear to William?
On top of that, the key oath scene in which Harold swears to William is depicted in the tapestry as having taken place in Bayeux (Odo’s bishopric), which conflicts with other documents that say the event happened elsewhere in Normandy.
What is the upshot of the Battle of Hastings?
The ships cross the Channel and the Norman army establishes itself on English soil. They are shown pillaging, feasting and fortifying their position. Then we get to the battle of Hastings itself, which is portrayed in considerable detail. The upshot of course is that King Harold is slain, with the defeated Englishmen being shown fleeing the field in the last scene of the tapestry.
What did Harold swear to do in Normandy?
The tapestry does not explain precisely what the nature of the oath is, but other Norman-inclined sources tell us that Harold was swearing to be William’s man in England and to uphold his bid to be king on Edward’s death.
How old is the tapestry?
But more than that, it’s an astounding and amazing survival of a work of art that is almost 1,000 years old. Its significance derives as much from that as from what it tells us when we study it.
Why did military historians study the tapestry?
Military historians have studied the arms and armour shown in the tapestry and analysed the battle scenes to learn more about military techniques and practice at the time . Architectural experts have also been able to interrogate the tapestry for information about building types and materials in the 11th-century from the portrayals of the various structures shown in the story.
Where did the tapestry originate?
The tapestry has affinities with other English works of the 11th century, and, though its origin in England is not proved, there is a circumstantial case for such an origin. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Subscribe Now. The tapestry is of greater interest as a work of art.
Why is the tapestry important?
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 Harold’s relation to William before 1066; its story of events seems straightforward and convincing, despite some obscurities. The decorative borders have value for the study of medieval fables.
Where was the tapestry of the cathedral in France?
When first referred to (1476), the tapestry was used once a year to decorate the nave of the cathedral in Bayeux, France. There it was “discovered” by the French antiquarian and scholar Bernard de Montfaucon, who published the earliest complete reproduction of it in 1730. Having twice narrowly escaped destruction during the French Revolution, it was exhibited in Paris at Napoleon’s wish in 1803–04 and thereafter was in civil custody at Bayeux, except in 1871 (during the Franco-German War) and from September 1939 to March 1945 (during World War II ).
Has the Bayeux Tapestry been restored?
It has been restored more than once, and in some details the restorations are of doubtful authority. Detail from the Bayeux Tapestry, 11th century. A battle scene from the Bayeux Tapestry, 11th century. When first referred to (1476), the tapestry was used once a year to decorate the nave of the cathedral in Bayeux, France.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry is technically embroidered and does not use a tapestry weave, although it is still referred to widely as "the tapestry." It measures approximately 20 inches (50 cm) tall and 230 feet (70 m) long and was sewn with wool thread on linen.
When was the Bayeux Tapestry Made?
The exact dates of the tapestry's creation are not known, but there are several theories and legends around the tapestry's origins, including:
What Language is Used in the Bayeux Tapestry?
The tapestry contains many blocks of Latin tituli (inscription) explaining the imagery and people involved.
Where is the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry is currently displayed at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, part of a three-museum cooperative known as "the Bayeux Museums" in Bayeux, France. The tapestry is located 1.3 km from the Bayeux Cathedral where the tapestry was discovered in 1729.
What happened at the end of the Bayeux Tapestry?from historyextra.com
It’s believed that at least one scene – possibly more – has been lost from the end of the Bayeux Tapestry. “Most scholars believe the final scene (s) of the tapestry would have depicted the lead up to and the coronation of Duke William as king of England, as a fitting end to the story being told,” writes Dr Alexandra Lester-Makin.
When was the Bayeux Tapestry published?from historyextra.com
The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry: Unravelling the Norman Conquest, by David Musgrove and Michael Lewis, is set to be published on 1 April by Thames and Hudson.
What is the comet in the Bayeux Tapestry?from historyextra.com
Halley’s Comet is shown on the Bayeux Tapestry after Harold’s coronation, appearing as a portent of disaster.
What is Odo's patronage of the tapestry?from historyextra.com
The biggest pointer towards Odo’s likely patronage of the tapestry is that he has a disproportionally large role in the events portrayed, compared to his appearance in other historical accounts of the Conquest. It seems that the designers are going out of their way to stress the importance of Odo in the narrative. On top of that, the key oath scene in which Harold swears to William is depicted in the tapestry as having taken place in Bayeux (Odo’s bishopric), which conflicts with other documents that say the event happened elsewhere in Normandy. Plus, aside from the main historical figures, there is the curious mention of several otherwise insignificant characters in the tapestry, and their names match those of men we know to have been Odo’s retainers.
What would have happened if the tapestry was displayed in a cathedral?from historyextra.com
If it was displayed in a cathedral, illumination would have been dim to say the least . The tapestry could perhaps instead have been displayed in a secular building, or it could have been displayed temporarily and then stored away, maybe being brought out for particular gatherings, when there was someone on hand to tell the story in person as well.
What is the tapestry of the Conquest?from historyextra.com
The tapestry contains a considerable amount of information not only about the political events surrounding the Conquest story , but also about other aspects of military, social and cultural history. Historians of clothing have gleaned much about Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman garment styles and fashions from the depictions shown in the tapestry, while academics interested in early medieval ship-building, sailing and carpentry have likewise learnt much from the sections dealing with the construction and voyage of William’s invasion fleet.
Where did Harold swear to William?from historyextra.com
On top of that, the key oath scene in which Harold swears to William is depicted in the tapestry as having taken place in Bayeux (Odo’s bishopric), which conflicts with other documents that say the event happened elsewhere in Normandy.
What happened at the end of the Bayeux Tapestry?from historyextra.com
It’s believed that at least one scene – possibly more – has been lost from the end of the Bayeux Tapestry. “Most scholars believe the final scene (s) of the tapestry would have depicted the lead up to and the coronation of Duke William as king of England, as a fitting end to the story being told,” writes Dr Alexandra Lester-Makin.
When was the Bayeux Tapestry published?from historyextra.com
The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry: Unravelling the Norman Conquest, by David Musgrove and Michael Lewis, is set to be published on 1 April by Thames and Hudson.
What is the comet in the Bayeux Tapestry?from historyextra.com
Halley’s Comet is shown on the Bayeux Tapestry after Harold’s coronation, appearing as a portent of disaster.
What is Odo's patronage of the tapestry?from historyextra.com
The biggest pointer towards Odo’s likely patronage of the tapestry is that he has a disproportionally large role in the events portrayed, compared to his appearance in other historical accounts of the Conquest. It seems that the designers are going out of their way to stress the importance of Odo in the narrative. On top of that, the key oath scene in which Harold swears to William is depicted in the tapestry as having taken place in Bayeux (Odo’s bishopric), which conflicts with other documents that say the event happened elsewhere in Normandy. Plus, aside from the main historical figures, there is the curious mention of several otherwise insignificant characters in the tapestry, and their names match those of men we know to have been Odo’s retainers.
What would have happened if the tapestry was displayed in a cathedral?from historyextra.com
If it was displayed in a cathedral, illumination would have been dim to say the least . The tapestry could perhaps instead have been displayed in a secular building, or it could have been displayed temporarily and then stored away, maybe being brought out for particular gatherings, when there was someone on hand to tell the story in person as well.
What is the tapestry of the Conquest?from historyextra.com
The tapestry contains a considerable amount of information not only about the political events surrounding the Conquest story , but also about other aspects of military, social and cultural history. Historians of clothing have gleaned much about Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman garment styles and fashions from the depictions shown in the tapestry, while academics interested in early medieval ship-building, sailing and carpentry have likewise learnt much from the sections dealing with the construction and voyage of William’s invasion fleet.
Where did Harold swear to William?from historyextra.com
On top of that, the key oath scene in which Harold swears to William is depicted in the tapestry as having taken place in Bayeux (Odo’s bishopric), which conflicts with other documents that say the event happened elsewhere in Normandy.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?from bayeuxmuseum.com
Bayeux Tapestry: Battle of Hastings.
What happened at the end of the Bayeux Tapestry?from historyextra.com
It’s believed that at least one scene – possibly more – has been lost from the end of the Bayeux Tapestry. “Most scholars believe the final scene (s) of the tapestry would have depicted the lead up to and the coronation of Duke William as king of England, as a fitting end to the story being told,” writes Dr Alexandra Lester-Makin.
What is Odo's patronage of the tapestry?from historyextra.com
The biggest pointer towards Odo’s likely patronage of the tapestry is that he has a disproportionally large role in the events portrayed, compared to his appearance in other historical accounts of the Conquest. It seems that the designers are going out of their way to stress the importance of Odo in the narrative. On top of that, the key oath scene in which Harold swears to William is depicted in the tapestry as having taken place in Bayeux (Odo’s bishopric), which conflicts with other documents that say the event happened elsewhere in Normandy. Plus, aside from the main historical figures, there is the curious mention of several otherwise insignificant characters in the tapestry, and their names match those of men we know to have been Odo’s retainers.
What is the ink and tempera on vellum?from brainly.com
The ink and tempera on vellum was a very popular method of painting in the early days of humanity, this in specific was created in the Roman period, and belongs to the Romanesque art, the tempera is a fast drying paint created by the Romans with egg yolk and other pigments that lasts for centuries, that is why many of their paintings have remained to this day.
What would have happened if the tapestry was displayed in a cathedral?from historyextra.com
If it was displayed in a cathedral, illumination would have been dim to say the least . The tapestry could perhaps instead have been displayed in a secular building, or it could have been displayed temporarily and then stored away, maybe being brought out for particular gatherings, when there was someone on hand to tell the story in person as well.
What is the tapestry of the Conquest?from historyextra.com
The tapestry contains a considerable amount of information not only about the political events surrounding the Conquest story , but also about other aspects of military, social and cultural history. Historians of clothing have gleaned much about Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman garment styles and fashions from the depictions shown in the tapestry, while academics interested in early medieval ship-building, sailing and carpentry have likewise learnt much from the sections dealing with the construction and voyage of William’s invasion fleet.
Where did Harold swear to William?from historyextra.com
On top of that, the key oath scene in which Harold swears to William is depicted in the tapestry as having taken place in Bayeux (Odo’s bishopric), which conflicts with other documents that say the event happened elsewhere in Normandy.
