The Bayeux Tapestry is unlike other tapestries ever created. Besides its length, it is a unique documentation of that period in English history. Although its accuracy is being doubted, with historians saying political agenda may have distorted its accuracy in depicting the story, there is no doubt about the Bayeux Tapestry’s importance as a visual document that shows accurate details during those times and is a valuable treasure that transcends time.

There are many events woven into tapestries today taken from the original creation that are wonderful works of art. Take the scene from the Harold and William Bayeux Tapestry headed to battle, in classic style in this handsome French woven tapestry wall hanging.

The Bayeux Armada Tapestry shows sailing over from Normandy to England, Bayeux tapestry - Embarquement to Battle, and William and Troups, and William Embarks. And the list goes on and on. To see more examples of these fine woven goods from the Battle of Hastings Tapestry visit our gallery Bayeux Tapestry Collection.

The Battle of Hastings 1066 began when Duke William sailed over from Normandy to Saxon, England to have it out with King Harold and overthrow England. William was known as William the bastard before this incredible battle, however when he was victorious he became known as William the Conqueror Tapestry.

Lets take a look at how the Bayeux Tapestry came to be undeniably, and is perhaps the most well-known and the most elaborate piece of tapestry known in existence.

Currently housed at the Centre Guillaume le Conquerant (with a life-sized replica in the Museum of Reading in Berkshire, England), it is 50 x 70 meters long in embroidered cloth narrating through various images the 1066 Norman invasion of England. While not a real tapestry since it is actually embroidery (a tapestry is done through weaving), the Bayeux Tapestry is considered as such, which is common during the early Middle Ages with other embroidered pieces. It was rediscovered in Bayeux during the late 17th century. The original length of this piece is not known, as the final strip of the Bayeux Tapestry was said to be altered and is missing. The tapestry was said to be made for the Bayeux Cathedral and was hung during the cathedral’s consecration in 1077.

It is still unknown who really created or commissioned the Bayeux Tapestry, the story is still filled with controversy and even speculations. According to a French legend, it was Queen Matilda, the wife of William the Conqueror, together with her ladies-in-waiting who created the tapestry. The legends state that the Bayeux tapestry is her gift to William, although this story is not justified and proven by data and is now merely seen as a romantic fiction or rumor. Other documents state that it is Bishop Odo, William’s half brother, who commissioned the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry. For one, Bishop Odo built the Bayeux Cathedral, where the Bayeux Tapestry was found. It was also possible that Odo commissioned the creation of the piece at the same time he built the Bayeux Cathedral, during the early 1070s. This also coincides with the fact that there are also documents suggesting that the Bayeux Tapestry was made in Kent. Besides the tapestry’s style of needlework and the Latin misspellings engraved in the tapestry, Odo was mainly based in Kent. If such is the case, the Bayeux Tapestry was probably stitched by Anglo-Saxon artists, which were famous for being skilled seamsters.