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2 The Bayeux tapestry is a historical record and a masterpiece created in the 11th century, It is an embroidery on a linen cloth using wools of various colours.

3 The manufacture of this work was, very probably, entrusted to an Anglo-Saxon workshop supervised by Odon de Conteville, Bishop of Bayeux and half brother of William the Conqueror.

4 This embroidered cloth is over 70 metres long and 50 centimetres high, and retraces the history of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror. The story begins in

5 At this time, Edward the Confessor, the King of England, feeling that his death was imminent and having no children, requested his brother-in-law Harold to go to France and inform....William, the Duke of Normandy, that he, William, had been named by Edward as his successor to the throne of England …

6 Edward the Confessor sends Harold to inform William that he will succeed to the throne of England.

7 Before leaving, Harold prays in Boscham church for heaven’s blessing on his journey.

8 William pays the Count of Ponthieu a ransom for Harold’s release. Harold is set free thanks to William Winds force Harold’s ships aground on land belonging to Count Guy of Ponthieu who takes him prisoner.

9 Negotiations between William and Harold.

10 William’s daughter, Aelfgyve, is promised in marriage to Harold

11 William asks Harold to fight with him The Norman army marches into Dol, then they attack the towns of Rennes and Dinan.

12 Opposite Mont Saint Michel they cross the Couesnon river and horses sink into quicksand.

13 The Duke of Britanny surrenders and hands over the keys of the city on the tip of his lance.

14 Harold is knighted by William

15 They go to Bayeux and here, touching two reliquaries, Harold swears fealty to William.

16 Then Harold puts to sea again to go back to England and once in England he marches to the King’s Palace to report to him on his mission to Normandy.

17 Edward utters his last requests and is prepared for burial by the priests and servants

18 Edward’s corpse is carried to St. Peter’s church.

19 Harold receives the orb and sceptre at his coronation.

20 Astrologers announce the appearance of a comet, an evil omen for Harold.

21 William is informed by his spies of Edward’s death and orders an invasion fleet to be built.

22 The fleet is being built.

23 The launching of the vessels.

24 Weapons and wine are carried on board. The fleet sets sail for England.

25 The Duke’s ship lands at Pevensey where the men disembark the horses.

26 The Norman horsemen make for Hastings looking for food.

27 Wadar, one of William’s intendants, supervises the cooks.

28 The servants bring in roasted meat and fowl.

29 William at a banquet held in his honour, surrounded by his barons and Bishop Odon, his step-brother.

30 A fortified camp is built.

31 A watchman comes to William to warn him of Harold’s movements. A house, which could impede the army’s progress, is burned down.

32 The Normans advance in battle array. As he advances, William is told that the Saxon army is close at hand.

33 The two armies start the battle.

34 Death of Lewine and Gyrd, Harold’s brothers.

35 The battle is raging.

36

37 To prove that he has not been wounded, Duke William takes off his helmet and rallies his men around him.

38 Harold’s army is cut to pieces.

39 Harold dies after being shot in the eye with an arrow

40 His victory over the Saxon army on 14th October

41 … made William Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, King of England.