The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry: Unraveling the Norman Conquest

by David Musgrove, Michael Lewis

Overview

The definitive and fully illustrated guide to the Bayeux Tapestry. The full history of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the story of the tapestry itself.

Most people know that the Bayeux Tapestry depicts the moment when the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, Harold Godwinson, was defeated at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 by his Norman adversary William the Conqueror. However, there is much more to this historic treasure than merely illustrating the outcome of this famous battle. Full of intrigue and violence, the tapestry depicts everything from eleventh-century political and social life—including the political machinations on both sides of the English Channel in the years leading up to the Norman Conquest—to the clash of swords and stamp of hooves on the battle field.

Drawing on the latest historical and scientific research, authors David Musgrove and Michael Lewis have written the definitive book on the Bayeux Tapestry, taking readers through its narrative, detailing the life of the tapestry in the centuries that followed its creation, explaining how it got its name, and even offering a new possibility that neither Harold nor William were the true intended king of England. Featuring stunning, full- color photographs throughout, The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry explores the complete tale behind this medieval treasure that continues to amaze nearly one thousand years after its creation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780500252420
Publisher:	Thames & Hudson
Publication date:	04/06/2021
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	1,122,329
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

David Musgrove is content director for BBC History Magazine, BBC World Histories, and BBC History Revealed.

Michael Lewis is head of portable antiquities and treasure at the British Museum and a visiting professor at the University of Reading and the University of Helsinki. He is known for his research on medieval finds associated with religion and everyday life and is coauthor of The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry (with Dave Musgrove).

Table of Contents

Introduction: A Remarkable Survival 8

Chapter 1 Putting the Conquest in Context 18

Chapter 2 A Unique Embroidery 42

Chapter 3 The Story Begins 72

Chapter 4 Captive in France 96

Chapter 5 At the Court of Duke William 130

Chapter 6 The Brittany Campaign 148

Chapter 7 A Sacred Oath 168

Chapter 8 Harold Becomes King 178

Chapter 9 William Raises an Army 212

Chapter 10 The Lull Before the Storm 238

Chapter 11 The Great Battle 258

Chapter 12 The Bayeux Tapestry and Its Legacy 306

The Complete Bayeux Tapestry 324

Timeline of Key Events 330

Further Reading 336

Acknowledgments 346

Sources of Illustrations 347

Index 348