3.10 Bayeux Tapestry

Question 1

What is the Bayeux Tapestry? (4)

Answer 1

• The Bayeux Tapestry is a long piece of embroidered cloth.
• It is almost 70 metres long.
• It was made in England in 1075 by English women and tells the story of the Norman Conquest.
• The story is told from the perspective of the Normans.

Question 2

What were the strengths of the Bayeux Tapestry? (3)

Answer 2

• Record of events at the time
• Helps explain why William invaded => insightful
• William believed Harold swore the oath regardless of whether he did or not => William believed it gave him a legitimate claim to the throne

Question 3

What were the weaknesses of the Bayeux Tapestry? (4)

Answer 3

• Norman Propoganda
• Mentions Harold’s oath whereas AS chronicles don’t => inconsistent
• Image, so can be interpreted differently
• Norman apologists => trying to make William seem better between the battle + his coronation