On this day September 28, 1066 after a two day long crossing of the Channel, William I , Duke of Normandy and his army landed on the coast of England in Penvensey Bay to claim the throne of England from "usurper" King Harold. He met the Anglo-Saxon army of king Harold at Hastings on October 14 and in the battle that ensues Harold was killed. William, then went on to conquer England and was crowned King in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.
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| Ships set Sails- |
You can visit a colorful pictorial rendition of the Conquest of England by William the Conqueror in Bayeux. Dating from the 11th century, it is believed the embroidery was commissioned by Bishop Odo, a half brother of William and for centuries it was displayed in the Cathedral of Bayeux. This amazingly well-preserved needlepoint measures 70 meters long and 50 centimeters tall and is made up of fifty scenes which depict the preparation of the invasion, the crossing of the Channel and the battle of Hastings.
Having survived for so many centuries the ravage of the Revolution and numerable wars, the tapestry is now inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and can be viewed at the Tapestry Museum in Bayeux, a visit you should not miss.
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| Battle of Hastings |
#Bayeux #BayeuxTapestry #Normandy
pictures courtesy of BayeuxTapestry.org
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