Bayeux+Tapestry

**__The Bayeux Tapestry__**
The Bayeux Tapestry is a really long embroidery (50 cm by 70-75m) that is claimed as a tapestry. It has many scenes that explain the events leading up to the 1066 Norman invasion of England, as well as the invasion itself. The scenes are written in Latin, and are illustrated in a lot of detail as well. No-one is sure about the origins of the “tapestry” and there have also been many controversies about it. A brief summary of the story that the tapestry explains is: Harold Godwinson, after having a conversation with King Edward the confessor (of England), set out on a journey after a final prayer and meal. They went on a sea voyage, taking dogs and falcons with them. As soon as they landed on the coast of France they were “greeted” by the Guy of Ponthieu. Guy immediately took Harold as a prisoner, but treated him with respect. News of Harold’s imprisonment arrived to Duke William of Normandy, and he set out for a rescue mission at once. Guy released Harold on William’s orders. Together Harold and William returned to Normandy and became friends. They fought against the Conan of Brittany, and Harold proved his strength of friendship with William by saving him from death’s jaws. William knighted Harold, and Harold swore an oath that he would always support William and help him become King. Harold returned to King Edward in 1066, where Edward was taking his last breaths. Before dying Edward promised Harold that he would become the next King of England. The King’s promise was fulfilled and Harold became the next King. William discovered Harold’s coronation and decided to invade England for the crown that he claimed was actually supposed to be his. He loaded horses on the ship with his fellows, and they sailed to Pevensey. They left their ships at Pevensey and then rode on their horses to Hastings. The battle began when they reached Hastings. Harold’s brothers were killed in the battle, and William’s men fought fiercely, frequently getting encouragement from William himself. Harold was struck in his eye by an arrow, and died. Therefore, William was crowned as the King of England. No-one knows when the tapestry was made, but its first mentioned reference was in 1476. There are also a lot of controversies about the Bayeux Tapestry, and people say that it is a biased artefact. People are unsure about who created the tapestry, but some believe that it was created by Queen Matilda, William the Conqueror’s wife, and her ladies-in-waiting. Others think that it was created by William’s half-brother, Bishop Odo. There are also some errors in the tapestry. At a time when King Edward was completely healthy, the tapestry showed him as frail and ill. A lot of other errors like this were on the tapestry as well. Whoever the manufacturer was, both of these “suspects” were on William’s side, so this may be why the tapestry is claimed to be biased.