The Bayeux Tapestry

La Tapisserie de Bayeux est un chef d'oeuvre unique au monde, il fut réalisé au XI ème siècle. C'est une broderie sur une toile de lin dont les dimensions sont de 70 mètres de long sur 50 centimètres de hauteur. Elle retrace l'histoire de la conquête de l'Angleterre par Guillaume le Conquérant.

The Bayeux Tapestry is the only 11th century masterpiece of this kind in the world. It is an embroidery on a linen cloth whose size is 70 metres long and 50 centimetres high. It tells the history of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror

Here is the story....

 In 1064 Edward the Confessor sent Harold to inform William that he would succeed to the throne of England.
Harold started for the coast, preceded by his pack of hounds.
Harold prayed in Bosham church for heaven's blessing on his journey.
Last meal on land.
Harold went on board.
Winds forced his ships aground on land belonging to Count Guy of ponthieu.
The English were landing.
Guy de Ponthieu ordered his men to take Harod prisoner.
Carrying his falcon on his fist, the count of Ponthieu took his prisoner to Beaurain.
The ransom was discussed.
Informed of Harold's predicament, William sent messengers to the Count of Ponthieu with orders for his release.
With their hair flying in the wind, two armoured horsemen hurried to Beaurain.
William gave orders to his messengers.
Harold was set free and Guy handed him over to William who was with his men.
Harold arrived at the gate of William's castle.
Negociations between William and Harold.
William's daughter, Aelfgyve, was promised in marriage to Harold.
William asked Harold to fight with him against Conan, Duke of Brittany, who had declared war against the former.
Opposite the Mont Saint Michel they crossed the Couesnon river and horses sank into the quicksands.
The Norman army marched into Dol and Duke Conan was forced to flee.
Assault on Rennes and Dinan.
The Duke of Brittany surrendered and handed over the keys of the city on the tip of his lance.
Harold was knighted by William. They went to Bayeux together. Touching two reliquaries, Harold swore fealty to William.
Then Harold put to sea again to go back to England.
Harold reported to the king on his mission to Normandy.
Edward's corpse was carried to St Peter's church. 
Edward uttered his last requests and was prepared for burial by the priests and servants.
Harold received the orb and sceptre at his coronation.
Astrologers announced the appearance of a comet an evil omen for Harold.
Norman spies informed William of the events following Edward's death.
William ordered an invasion fleet to be built.
The fleet was being built.
The launching of the vessels.
Weapons and wine were carried on board.
The fleet set sails for England.
The Duke's ship landed at Pevensey.
The men disembarked the horses.
The Norman horsemen made for Hastings.
Wadar, one of William's intendants, supervised the cooks.
The servants brought in roasted meat and fowl.
William at a banquet held in his honour, surrounded by his barons and Bishop Odon.
A fortified camp was built.
A watchman came to William to warn him of Harold's movements. A house, which could impede the army's progress, was burned down.
William got ready to meet Harold.
The Normans advanced in battle array.
As he advanced, William was told that the Saxon army was close at hand.
A watchman ran to warn Harold of the Norman army's approach.
William's speech to his soldiers
He exorted them to fight heroically.
Death of Lewine and Gryrd, Harold's brothers.
The battle was raging.
William's brother, Odeon, Bishop of Bayeux, encouraged the soldiers.
To prove that he had not been wounded, Duke William took off his helmet and rallied his men around him.
Harold's army was cut to pieces.
Harold died after being shot in the eye with an arrow 
Victory over the Saxon army on 14th October 1066 made William Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, King of England.  

Now you can watch the story and enjoy it....