Bayeux Tapestry Depicting the Battle of Hastings (1066)

Dear Commons Community,

On our last day in Bayeux, we had a relaxing lunch and later a dinner at two fine restaurants on the Rue Saint-Jean.  In the afternoon, we visited three attractions that many tourists go to when in Bayeux:  Bayeux Tapestry, Cathedral of Notre Dame Crypt, and the Charles de Gaulle Monument.

The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events leading up to and the actual Battle of Hastings in October 1066 fought between William, the Duke of Normandy and King Harold of England.  The victory by William resulted in his being crowned King of England in December 1066.  The tapestry is 70 meters or 76 yards long and has panel after panel done in exquisite embroidery. In addition to the story it tells, it is a window into what people wore, the weapons they used and the food they ate in the early 11th century.  No photography is allowed in the museum that houses the tapestry and the image above is taken from its website.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Bayeux is also the burial place for the bishops of Bayeux and houses a crypt.  Its pillars and columns are adorned with paintings, some of which date back to the 15th century. The crypt was walled up for centuries and even fell into oblivion. It was rediscovered in 1412, during work to hollow out a grave for the Bishop Jean de Boissey.

After D-Day and the invasion of Normandy by the Allied forces on June 6th, 1944, Bayeux was the first town liberated in France.  Charles de Gaulle gave a rousing speech in a park and set up his administrative headquarters in Bayeux where he stayed until Paris was liberated in August of 1944.

Today we leave Bayeux and take the train to Paris.  Our stay at the Le Clos de la Chapelle has been perfect.  I highly recommend this hotel to anyone contemplating a stay in Bayeux.  It is ideally situated in the center of the town and you can walk to wherever you want to go.  The proprietor, Claire, could not have been more gracious in meeting our needs.

Brava!

Tony

Cathedral of Notre Dame – Bayeux Crypt I

Cathedral of Notre Dame – Bayeux Crypt II

Cathedral of Notre Dame – Bayeux Crypt III

 The park where Charles de Gaulle gave his speech has a fountain dedicated to Popee, the wife of Rollo, the First King of Normandy

Elaine on the side of the Monument in Remembrance of Charles de Gaulle’s Speech

This Text is Taken from a Plaque Near the de Gaulle Monument

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