Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Harold's Mission
to Normandy
In the first scene
(left)
,
Edward the Confessor is
seen sending Harold
from England to
Normandy to tell Duke
William that he will
succeed to the English
throne. Harold starts for
the coast, preceded by
his pack of hounds.
Harold's Oath
This critical scene
(No 27) provides the
moral impetus for the
story, told from the
Norman point of view:
Harold, touching holy
relics, swears allegiance
to Duke William
(below)
.
Harold's Perjury
Harold returns to
England from Normandy.
On the death of Edward
the Confessor, he is
crowned king, breaking
his oath to William. The
appearance of Halley's
Comet
(central image)
foretells doom (No 32).
William Invades
England
As soon as William has
ordered his invasion
fleet to be built (No 35)
(left)
, the stylized trees
that served to break
the scenes cease to
appear, and the story
begins to gather pace.
Museum Guide
A visit to the Tapestry
itself takes just 20
minutes using the brief
but excellent audio
guide. It's therefore
advisable to take the
tour which starts on the
first floor and leads up
to the Tapestry. A full
visit can easily take over
two hours. Your ticket
also entitles entry to
the Musée Baron
Gérard
(see p14)
.
The Battle of
Hastings
The battle scenes are
marvellously depicted,
- full of the clash,
clamour and horror
of war (Nos 51-58).
The Death of Harold
The Tapestry comes
to an abrupt end with the
death of Harold
(left)
- shot
in the eye by an arrow -
and the victory of William
over the English.
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