The tapestry shows events from a Norman point of view and justifies the invasion by claiming that Harold betrayed a promise of loyalty made to William. It was embroidered in Kent soon after 1066, for William's half-brother Odo, Bishop of the Norman town of Bayeux. The original tapestry is still there. Reading's replica was made in Staffordshire in the l880s by the Leek embroidery society - led by Mrs Wardle - and took just over a year to create. Each of the 35 women who worked on the copy signed her name below the section she had embroidered. There is a continuous blue strip above and below the linen on which the story is unfolded. Also, above and below the main drama run two friezes. These are roughly 3 inches deep and show heraldic figures, animals, trees and mythical creatures interspersed by strong diagonals of solid stitching.