The Bayeux Tapestry

Suitable for: Adults

Sponsored by: The Digital Charitable Society

Available braille grades:

This collection tells the whole story of the tapestry and includes illuminating tactile pictures of six of the key scenes. These include the build up to the invasion, the landing, the Battle of Hastings and the Death of King Harold. A great collection for history lovers.

Listen to an audio clip

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.

What's inside

A collection of raised tactile pictures.
Audio descriptions with music and sound effects in your chosen format of either CD or USB.
An A4 large print colour image pack or postcard pack.
An ‘Articles for the Blind’ returns label for the free and convenient return of the box.

Touch to see image list

Harold makes a solemn oath before Duke William – Bayeux Tapestry
King Edward the Confessor sends Earl Harold and a companion to France – Bayeux Tapestry
Duke William’s messengers ride fast to rescue Harold from imprisonment in Ponthieu
William’s ship leads the Norman invasion fleet to England
The Battle of Hastings: Norman Archers and cavalry attack the English Position
Death of Harold: The Kings pull the arrow from his eye before being felled by a Norman Knight