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According to legend, Pope Alexander II gave William the Conqueror a "guidon"
to take with him on his invasion of England in 1066 A.D. A guidon is a swallow shaped military banner, which flies on a single pole. In the famous Bayeux Tapestry a knight is pictured carrying this banner; historically he is identified as "E". Historians belief "E" was actually Eustace, count of Boulogne--an important ally of William.
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Steve
TaigaIt tells the story of the conflict between the Saxon King Harold and William the Duke of Normandy, the Norman invasion of England, and the Norman victory over the Saxons at The Battle of Hastings and the Norman preparation leading up to the battle.
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What year was the bayeux tapestry made?
It was made for William of Normandy or William the conqueror.
Is there any dogs in the bayeux tapestry?
There are about 55 dogs in the embroidery
How important is The Bayeux Tapestry to a historian studying the Norman conquest?
The Bayeux Tapestry is important since most paintings during the Medieval Ages consisted of Christian Art. The Bayeux Tapestry was one of the few found to have contained the daily life of peasants, kings and so on. This showed many researchers what life was like in the Medieval Ages. So basically it "opened" our eyes to the Medieval world
Where was the bayeux tapestry found?
It is presently exhibited in a special museum in Bayeux, Normandy, France - where I went to see it for myself. Since the earliest known written reference to the tapestry is a 1476 inventory of Bayeux Cathedral, its origins have been the subject of much speculation and controversy. French legend maintained the tapestry was commissioned and created by Queen Matilda, William the Conqueror's wife, and her ladies-in-waiting. Indeed, in France it is occasionally known as "La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde" (Tapestry of Queen Matilda). However, scholarly analysis in the 20th century shows it probably was commissioned by William's half brother, Biship Odo. The reasons for the Odo commission theory include: 1) three of the bishop's followers mentioned in Doomsday Book appear on the tapestry; 2) it was found in Bayeux Cathedral, built by Odo; and 3) it may have been commissioned at the same time as the cathedral's construction in the 1070s, possibly completed by 1077 in time for display on the cathedral's dedication. Assuming Odo commissioned the tapestry, it was probably designed and constructed in England by Anglo-Saxon aritists given that Odo's main power base was in Kent, the Latin text contains hints of Anglo Saxon, other embroideries originate from England at this time, and the vegetable dyes can be found in cloth traditionally woven there. Assuming this was the case, the actual physical work of stitching was most likely undertaken by skilled seamsters. Anglo-Saxon needlework, was famous across Europe.
Is a medieval tapestry a primary source?
Yes, they are considered to be primary sources. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the Bayeux tapestry which depicts the Norman conquest of England. Tapestries are not to be underestimated as source material as despite their pictorial format they provide information about the sort of views that were contemporary with the historical event you're looking into. For example, within the Bayeux tapestry you will find King Harold as being referred to as "Rex" which is the Latin for King. However, by the end of the 11th century Norman sources do not actually refer to him as a King. In this sense you can see how chroniclers are presentinghistory to fit the views of the Norman house.
