The Bayeux Tapestry – Controversy Rages on

The practice of reproducing tapestry art for use in the home is becoming more popular by the year. The versatility of tapestry lends itself easily to use for a more substantial version of masterpieces. Among the many reproductions of famous artwork sometimes seen in living rooms are scenes from a work known as the Bayeux Tapestry.

The Bayeux Tapestry has been the source of much controversy over the centuries since the Norman Conquest. Strictly speaking, it’s not a tapestry at all, but a series of embroidered panels stretching some 230 feet in length. It has long been held up as one of the most authentic historic accountings of William the Conqueror’s invasion of Britain.

There is enough muddle over its commission, origin and authenticity to spur vigorous debate at many a dinner party or soiree. Portions of the ‘tapestry’ are well known enough to be easily recognizable, and the events that took place are clearly depicted. How accurate the portrayal is has oft been brought into question, however.

The Tapestry’s Origin

The commission of the tapestry has alternately been assigned to various parties. Some attribute it to William’s devoted wife Mathilde, who was said to have stitched it with her ladies in waiting. They point to one Aethelflaed, widow of Byrhtnoth, Earl of Essex who died in the Battle of Malden in 991. Aethelflaed commissioned a tapestry of her husband’s last stand in honor of Byrhtnoth, and presented it to the Ely Cathedral.

A more plausible explanation perhaps is that William’s half-brother, the Bishop Odo of Bayeux, directed that the tapestry be embroidered in England by Saxon nuns. Others maintain the work was done in Winchester itself. Certainly the tapestry is of the right length to surround the nave of the Bayeux Cathedral, and the stitching is comparable to premier English needle workers of the time.

The tapestry itself has several prominent scenes which have been reproduced for home interior use. Harold’s preparations for the invasion is one, the launching of William’s fleet to set sail for Britain and his subsequent landing comprise two more. The Battle of Hastings which concludes the existing tapestry is particularly favored as a reproduction.

Historical Accuracy In Doubt

Still more debate rages over the actual historical value of the tapestry, seeing as how it was commissioned by the victors and understandably can be expected to be slanted hard in their favor. There is no solid description of the Norman conquest from the invaded countrymen’s point of view, and nearly all of the information we have of the event is gleaned from the tapestry itself.

The Normans maintain that William had received an oath of support from Harold, brother-in-law of Edward the Confessor, after William had rescued Harold from shipwreck. When Harold ascended to the throne of England upon Edward’s death, William invaded citing Harold’s breach of faith as the reason.

Historians differ in their acceptance of this version of events. The only collaboration of Harold’s oath ever occurring is in a Norman account dating a full ten years after the invasion. This naturally falls under the same suspicion as it is likely the Normans would paint themselves in the best possible light despite the real facts of the matter.

Be that as it may, the panels showing Harold swearing allegiance and later being killed are among some of the most well known panels. The controversy lingers – The panel showing the Prince’s death holds some ambiguity as to how he actually died. Tradition holds that it was an arrow through the eye that took him out, but the embroidered words on the tapestry are ambiguous both in context and placement.

Tapestry Still Worth Consideration

Some things in the tapestry ring undeniably true; the appearance of Halley’s comet is chronologically correct, and the castles of the time are depicted inside and out with what seems to be reasonable accuracy based on excavations of similar sites. It is likely that there is as much truth as propaganda in the tapestry as a whole, much like many other historic documents written from one side’s point of view.

When looking at the panels available as reproductions, you should decide which portion of the story you wish to concentrate on. Most of the research concerning the Norman conquest is based on the tapestry itself, so don’t expect to find much more than general suppositions. One thing you can count on is for the controversy to continue. Whatever the panel or panels you choose for your home, you can rest assured your selected portion of the Bayeux Tapestry will quickly become a conversation piece and a valuable, interesting addition to your home.

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Angela Dawson-Field
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