Did you know England has its own Bayeux Tapestry?
18th March 2026 by | Uncategorized
Did you know England has its own Bayeux Tapestry?
Most people know the famous Bayeux Tapestry in Normandy — the extraordinary medieval embroidery telling the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
But what many people do not realise is that England actually has a full-length Victorian replica, and it is on display at Reading Museum.
Known as “Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry,” this remarkable reproduction was created between 1885 and 1886 by the Leek Embroidery Society, a group of 35 skilled embroiderers who painstakingly recreated the entire narrative.
The result is astonishing:
- Nearly 70 metres long
• Hand-stitched panel by panel
• A faithful recreation of the medieval original
The project was part of a Victorian fascination with medieval history and craftsmanship, and it allowed people in Britain to study the famous story of William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings without travelling to France.
Interestingly, the Victorian embroiderers were a little more modest than their medieval predecessors. In one famous border scene where the original shows a rather cheeky naked figure, the Victorian version discreetly added clothing!
I have to admit, this was news to me.
So now I am curious:
How many people knew there was an English version of the Bayeux Tapestry in Reading?
And even more interesting —
How many of you have actually seen it?
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Gemma
The past is never silent.
www.murderinthetower.london
Author: The Reflection in the Mirror (all 5-star rated on Amazon)