The Bayeux Tapestry to Be Displayed in Britain After 950 Years

It is an eleventh-century treasure showing the story of how William the Conqueror invaded England.

Bayeux Tapestry
Bayeux Tapestry known in France as 'La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde.' (Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

An eleventh-century treasure depicting the story of how William the Conquerer came to invade England in 1066 is finally going to be displayed in Britain. France agreed the Bayeux Tapestry can leave the country for the first time in 950 years, according to The New York Times. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce the loan during his visit to Britain on Thursday, but the transfer will not happen before 2020 because the tapestry needs work before it is safe to move. The tapestry has strong historical resonance in Britain and the announcement has been met with enthusiasm in the country. It is unclear where the tapestry will be displayed. It has more than 50 scenes detailing the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which is one of the most important battles in English history. Little is known about the tapestry’s origins, but it is nearly 230 feet long and nearly 20 inches tall. It has been moved a few times in history but has been on permanent display at a museum in the town of Bayeux, in northern France. Britain has requested to display the tapestry before, once for the queen’s coronation in 1953 and for the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in 1966 but both were unsuccessful.

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