The Bayeux Tapestr

The Bayeux Tapestry, a historical record created in the 11th century, is the only masterpiece of its kind in the world. The most extraordinary thing about it is its sheer size. It is a huge embroidered piece of linen cloth measuring 70 metres long and 50 metres high. The pictures tell the story of the conquest of England, by William the Conqueror in 1066. The designers sectioned the story into 72 separate scenes, which begin with the King of England, Edward the Confessor, shown close to death in 1064 and ends with the crushing defeat of the Anglo- Saxons by the Normans at Hastings on the south coast of England. It shows King Harold with an arrow in his eye. The scenes which include battles kidnappings ransoms are embroidered in rich colours which bears no resemblance to reality. Animals, for example, can be depicted in blue, green or yellow. For many years the tapestry, which served as a decoration in the cathedral at Bayeux, was little known outside the town. Today, after being meticulously repaired, it is on display for tourists.