TOWN OF BAYEUX

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25562, 15 June 1944, Page 4

TOWN OF BAYEUX

FAMOUS FOR ITS TAPESTRY town of Bayeux, the first French town captured by the Allied invasion forces, is famous because of the “ Bayeux Tapestry,” which is Lhe name given to a panorama of sewn work representing the invasion and conquest of England by William lhe Conqueror. The tapestry is preserved in the Public Library of Bayeux. According to authorities the work is not a tapestry in the usual sense of the word, but closely resembles sampler work. It is sewn on a band of linen 230 feet long by 20 inches wide, and is divided into 72 scenes, which are generally separated from each other by a tree or other objects. Most of the scenes aredescribed by Latin inscriptions sewn along the upper margin of the tapestry. The work contains figuies of 623 persons, 762 horses, dogs and other animals, 37 buildings, and 41 ships or boats.

This pictorial history opens with Harold, Earl of the West Saxons, before his departure for Normandy taking leave of Edward the Confessor. Harold is next observed embarking from the Sussex coast, anchoring off France and being made prisoner by Guy, Earl of Ponthieu; redeemed by William, Duke of Normandy and meeting with him at his court, assisting him against Conari. Earl of Bretagne, swearing on the sacred relics never to interfere with William’s succession to the English Throne and finally re-embarking for England. The tapestry then represents Harold narrating the events of his journey to Edward the Confessor, whose death and funeral obsequies are next shown. Harold then receives the crown from the English people and ascends the Throne; next the news is brought to William, who takes counsel with his half-brother, Bishop Bayeux, as to the invasion of England. Then follow representations of the active war preparations of the Normans, their embarkation, disembarkation, march to Hastings and formation of a camp there, the battle, the death of Harold, and the flight of lhe English with which the tapestry finishes.