Dating back to the 11th century, the Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most famous works of art in the Western world from medieval times and one of the supreme achievements of the Norman Romanesque. It is a historic monument that documents and retraces a series of events that took place in Normandy and England in the second half of the 11th century. 

For the first time since it was made nearly 1,000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry is returning to England on loan to the British Museum, one of Viking's longstanding cultural partners. The 70-metre-long masterpiece is one of the most important surviving works from the medieval world depicting events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. We are delighted to be a member of the 1066 Circle in support of The Bayeux Tapestry which runs from September 2026 to July 2027. 

What's the story in the Bayeux Tapestry?

Discover one of the world's most famous medieval objects and uncover the dramatic events that lead to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Stretching nearly 70 metres, the Bayeux Tapestry is far more than a remarkable piece of embroidery. It tells a story of ambition, rivalry and conquest that changes England forever. >WATCH VIDEO

The Bayeux Tapestry documents William the Conqueror’s invasion of England and the death of Anglo-Saxon King Harold in the Battle of Hastings. French descendants of Viking leaders and kings played pivotal roles. King Harold was a son of Earl Godwin of Wessex, appointed by Knut the Great, son of Svein Forkbeard and grandson of Harald Bluetooth—both Vikings. At the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Harold had fought off legendary Viking warrior King Hardrada of Norway. William the Conqueror led an invading army. A descendant of the Viking chieftain Rollo, William shook England’s shore when he arrived with a fleet of 600 ships, many of which were built in the traditional Viking clinker style. Soon after Harold’s demise, William took the throne of England. Key scenes depict Harold’s coronation, William’s ships crossing the English Channel and the Battle of Hastings. 

The origins of the Bayeux Tapestry are uncertain. The first written record of the tapestry is from 1476, when it was recorded in the cathedral treasury at Bayeux, as “a very long and narrow hanging on which are embroidered figures and inscriptions comprising a representation of the conquest of England.” The Bayeux Tapestry was most likely commissioned in the 1070s by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror. The original tapestry is more than 229 ft (70 m) long and depicts 626 human figures, 190 horses, 35 dogs, 506 other birds and animals, 33 buildings, 37 ships and 37 trees or groups of trees, with 57 Latin inscriptions. Although it is called a tapestry, it is in fact embroidered—stitched, not woven—in woollen yarns on linen. Some historians argue that it was embroidered in Kent, England. 

Normandy - the permanent home of the Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry will return to France in 2027 after its permanent home in the Bayeux Museum in Normandy has undergone a historic renovation. Visit the museum (once it reopens) during an included excursion on our Paris & the Heart of Normandy river journey.