Bayeux Tapestry unveiled to UK public for first time at British Museum
The historic 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry has been put on public display at the British Museum in London for the first time. The 70-meter-long artifact, which depicts the Norman conquest of England, is on loan from France while its home museum undergoes renovations.
Why it matters
The display represents a significant cultural exchange and a rare opportunity for the public to view a foundational piece of European history in the country where it was created.
Image source, Reuters By Paul Glynn , Culture reporter and Jacob Phillips , BBC News , Reporting from From the British Library Published 16 minutes ago The Bayeux Tapestry has gone on public display in the UK for the first time since it was created nearly 1,000 years ago.
It was originally embroidered in England but kept for centuries in France, and tells the story of the Norman conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The 70m (230ft)-long 11th Century tapestry is being loaned to the British Museum while its usual home in Normandy, France undergoes renovation.
Doors at the museum opened at 10:00 BST, with shield-wielding re-enactors in costumes from the era waiting outside.
Image source, PA Image caption, People queued outside the museum for their chance to
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in