The Bayeux Tapestry: Fuller Descriptions of the Four Sessions
Session One: The Runners & Riders – The build up to the Battle of Hastings. We begin with the events leading up to one of the most memorable dates in English history; the motivation for the invasion is often overlooked; it was more than just Harold possibly breaking his word to William. Of course, William of Normandy wanted to command England as well, but why that country and not another? In this first session, we will meet the main players on both sides, including Odo who probably commissioned it. Before getting down to the main subject we should consider the colours. Have they faded over the years or not? There has been research that suggests it might have been a great deal brighter when it was first made. Is that true or likely? As far as we know the tapestry has always been held in Bayeux with a break for safe keeping during World War 2 when it was removed to the Louvre, but it disappeared from sight for centuries. We can explore some of the history of the actual tapestry, albeit not as much as we might like.
Session Two: English Antecedents & Marginalia – Origins and commissioners. That said, I hope to convince you that the tapestry was either made in England or at least by English workers even though it was probably commissioned by a Norman. Some of the evidence is found in the images on the edges which we can enjoy in some detail: centaurs, Pegasus, donkeys, camels and even naked people romp in the top and bottom margins. Perhaps surprisingly, Aesop’s Fables make an appearance. A lot of the tapestry is given over to the diplomatic mission of 1064 when Harold Godwin went to Normandy and all the subsequent drama: Harold’s arrest by Guy of Ponthieu and his later participation in William’s campaign against Duke Conan of Brittany. As part of this we will consider the mystery of Ælfgyva to see what we make of it.
Session Three: The Oath & Subsequent Fall-out – Harold’s Coronation and William’s response. Harold returns to England and to King Edward who died on 5th January 1066. Was Harold crowned immediately or perhaps in April when Halley’s Comet was seen and is shown above the coronation scene? William cannot ignore this event and so we see the fleet being built and preparations for battle culminating in the armada arriving at Pevensey on 28th September 1066.
Session Four: The Battle, The Outcome & The Enduring Myths – Foundations of our history. The story on the tapestry ends with that last strenuous and bitter struggle for England. Myths come out of this: Harold was killed by an arrow in his eye – or was he? Before this last fight Harold marched his exhausted army from York to Battle – or did he? We all know the outcome of the battle, but how did William achieve his victory – and did the designer of the tapestry show that to us early on?
Biographical Information about our Speaker Imogen Corrigan spent over nineteen years in the army, retiring in the rank of Major at the end of 1994. She subsequently went to the University of Kent to study Anglo-Saxon and Medieval History, graduating with 1st Class Honours. Later she gained an MPhil from the University of Birmingham. She is now a freelance lecturer for the Arts Society, u3as, ACE Cultural Tours and numerous other agencies. Her first book was published in 2019 (Stone on Stone: the men who built the cathedrals). Followed by The Green Man: myth and reality in 2025. She is a Freeman of the Company of Communicators having the Freedom of the City of London as well as being the monuments and memorials advisor for the Diocesan Advisory Committee for Canterbury