The Meaning of the Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry's exact origins are unknown. Its first mention in written history was in the cathedral treasury at Bayeux in 1476 A.D. Historians believe that it was embroidered in Kent, England upon a commission by Bishop Odo of Bayeux (the half-brother of William the Conqueror) in the 1070s. The 70-meter embroidery can be found on display in a specially built tourist center in Bayuex, France. There are several historical events depicted on the tapestry.
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The Battle of Hastings
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In 1066, 65 miles from London, two evenly matched armies met on the battlefield. The British Knights charge into battle and frighten the exhausted Norman soldiers into a retreat. William's horse is killed in battle, but he raises his helmet to prove that he survived. Harold has an arrow shot through his eye and is hacked by a Norman soldier. The final panels of the tapestry are missing, but might have depicted the crowning of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day by the Archbishop Ealdred of York.
King Edward's Heir
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King Edward has no heir, and sends Harold to inform William, his cousin, that he will be the next king of England. Harold is taken prisoner on his journey, and William demands his release.
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Companions at Arms
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William invites Harold to join him in rescuing a castle at siege, and a friendship is forged in their victory. Harold swears on holy relics to support William on his path to securing the English throne, but upon Harold's return to England, King Edward has a change of heart and gives the throne to Harold.
Halley's Comet
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In the Middle Ages, this was a sign of impending doom, and was seen in the skies four months after Harold's coronation. William learns of the betrayal and vows to conquer England. William builds a fleet of ships, and a force of approximately 7,000 men. William's army reaches the shores of England without opposition.
Pillaging
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William orders his men to pillage the country to weaken the enemy, as Harold is also fighting a Norwegian contender for the throne, Harald Hardraada (who led the last Viking invasion of England). Harold II's defeat of this great warrior comes as a surprise, but William's men have built a castle with their time, and raid nearby homesteads.
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