Bayeux Tapestry arrives in UK

The 950-year-old fabled Bayeux Tapestry has arrived in London
ahead of a unique exhibition at the British Museum – driven from
France in the dead of night in a hi-tech, climate-controlled crate

70 metres

Scene 57: Depicts death
of Harold II, King of
England, by arrow to
his eye and then
seemingly
mutilation

Tapestry
removed
from display
and hung along
hinged rail system
which folds down
like concertina

Latin: “Hic Harold Rex
Interfectus Est”*
English: “Here
King Harold
is killed”

Protective
plastic
backing
sheet

Aluminium
frame

Hinge

Castors:
Tapestry can
be wheeled
around safely

Folded tapestry support
frame packed into
reinforced metal box

50cm

Depicts
events leading up
to Norman Conquest
of England in 1066,
led by William the
Conqueror

English Channel

Channel
Tunnel

ENGLAND

FRANCE

London

Bayeux

Paris

100km
60 miles

Suspension
springs: Absorb
96% of lateral
and vertical jolts,
protecting
tapestry from
vibrations

Note: Tapestry was removed from Bayeux museum in 2025 and stored in secret location before
being transported to UK. *Word “Hic” is just left of the image portion shown. Sources: BBC, Bayeux
Museum, British Museum. Pictures: Creative Commons, Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS