Bayeux - Banquet Loom Woven Tapestry - 3 Sizes Available

The Bayeux Tapestry is a unique historical record, relating the events leading up to the Norman invasion of England, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings in 1066 between the armies of Harold, King of England, and William, Duke of Normandy. It is a primary source of historical information for the period and has been remarkably well preserved, having had various escapes from destruction on several occasions throughout its nine-hundred year history. The original tapestry is about 68 metres (224 feet) long by 50cm (20) high and is the only masterpiece of its kind in the world. It is generally thought that the tapestry was made in the south of England before 1082 and thereafter transferred to Bayeux in Normandy, home of Williams half-brother, Odon de Conteville. The tapestry is in fact embroidery on a linen backcloth using wools of various colours. In recent years, the tapestry has been conserved and housed in a new purpose-built Museum at Bayeux. This section of the tapestry depicts a banquet held in honour of Duke William, surrounded by his barons, shortly after the arrival of the Normans in Sussex. From left to right, a servant places hot food from a stove with tongs, other men place the food on spits improvised from spears and pass the food to servants working at a table improvised from a number of shields. A servant summons the guests to the open air feast using a blast-horn. The servant below the table is carrying a bowl and napkin for rinsing the fingers of the feasters! After the feast, William and his half-brothers sit in Council, with William holding his sword point uppermost. An order is given to fortify Hastings and workmen set off to build a motte. The Latin text reads MINISTRAVERUNT (here the food has been served); MINISTRI (The servants); HIC FECERUNT PRANDIUM ET HIC EPISCOPUS CIBUM ET POTUM BENEDICIT (here they made a meal and the bishop blesses the food and drink).

This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging with a Hines hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging.

Hanging rods are purchased seperately - please click here to order