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The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry: Unraveling the Norman Conquest
The definitive and fully illustrated guide to the Bayeux Tapestry. The full history of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the story of the tapestry itself.
Most people know that the Bayeux Tapestry depicts the moment when the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, Harold Godwinson, was defeated at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 by his Norman adversary William the Conqueror. However, there is much more to this historic treasure than merely illustrating the outcome of this famous battle. Full of intrigue and violence, the tapestry depicts everything from eleventh-century political and social life—including the political machinations on both sides of the English Channel in the years leading up to the Norman Conquest—to the clash of swords and stamp of hooves on the battle field.
Drawing on the latest historical and scientific research, authors David Musgrove and Michael Lewis have written the definitive book on the Bayeux Tapestry, taking readers through its narrative, detailing the life of the tapestry in the centuries that followed its creation, explaining how it got its name, and even offering a new possibility that neither Harold nor William were the true intended king of England. Featuring stunning, full- color photographs throughout, The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry explores the complete tale behind this medieval treasure that continues to amaze nearly one thousand years after its creation.
Most people know that the Bayeux Tapestry depicts the moment when the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, Harold Godwinson, was defeated at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 by his Norman adversary William the Conqueror. However, there is much more to this historic treasure than merely illustrating the outcome of this famous battle. Full of intrigue and violence, the tapestry depicts everything from eleventh-century political and social life—including the political machinations on both sides of the English Channel in the years leading up to the Norman Conquest—to the clash of swords and stamp of hooves on the battle field.
Drawing on the latest historical and scientific research, authors David Musgrove and Michael Lewis have written the definitive book on the Bayeux Tapestry, taking readers through its narrative, detailing the life of the tapestry in the centuries that followed its creation, explaining how it got its name, and even offering a new possibility that neither Harold nor William were the true intended king of England. Featuring stunning, full- color photographs throughout, The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry explores the complete tale behind this medieval treasure that continues to amaze nearly one thousand years after its creation.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2021
21 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
David Musgrove
10 books2 followersDavid Musgrove is content director of the HistoryExtra.com website and podcast, plus its sister print magazines BBC History Magazine and BBC History Revealed. He has a PhD in medieval landscape archaeology, investigating monastic drainage and land reclamation in the Somerset Levels (along with a side hustle in prehistoric beaver habitats in France). Since then, he has worked in history publishing for almost twenty years. He is author of 100 Places That Made Britain (BBC Books, 2011), and with Michael Lewis, The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry (Thames and Hudson 2021). He regularly interviews historians for the podcast and curates HistoryExtra’s Medieval newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 19, 2022
The Bayeux Tapestry (which, in fact, is an embroidery on linen and not a tapestry at all); is iconic in scope concerning both English history and as an art piece. Pictorially telling the events of the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings in 1066; its creation, content and impact have mesmerized academics, historians, art students and pop culture to unprecedented levels and will continue to do so into prosperity. David Musgrove and Michael Lewis explore the ‘tapestry’ in, “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry: Unraveling the Norman Conquest”.
There are no two better-qualified individuals to come together to dissect the Bayeux Tapestry than David Musgrove and Michael Lewis. Musgrove is not the only the Content Director for the BBC History family of magazines (yes, plural); but also holds a PhD in Medieval Archaeology. Meanwhile, Michael Lewis holds a slew of credentials as the Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, Professor of archaeology, expert on the Bayeux Tapestry and member of the Bayeux Tapestry committee in charge of the redisplay of the embroidery. This alone ups the ante of “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” and pressures it to deliver to demand.
“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is an antiquarian lecture studying the embroidery in all its aspects from intent, creation, purpose, and textile & art history to social history accompanied by 145 illustrations. Although this sounds ambitious, lengthy and is lots of ground to cover in one volume; “The Story of Bayeux Tapestry” is readable, easy-to-understand, fast-paced and has an exciting narrative making it both educational/functional and entertaining.
Musgrove and Lewis begin “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” analyzing the who, when and why of embroidery using detective/sleuth skills and the few historical sources available to fully encapsulate the meaning of the Bayeux Tapestry. Being that the answers to all these questions are speculation; the authors traverse all schools of thought and variables without offering any biased, uneducated streams (albeit, occasionally intermingled with a hint of British humor). This gives “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” both a macro and micro look into the embroidery/Norman Conquest offering readers an extensive and well-rounded portrait.
“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” serves as a scene-by-scene exploration of the textile history but also stands as a scholarly breakdown of the fall of the Anglo-Saxon period and the Norman invasion in English history. Often, these eras are complicated to understand/remember even for the staunchest English history enthusiast; but Musgrove and Lewis impressively offer a text that is incredibly engaging with, “Now I get it!” – moments in an organic and effortless way. The entire text is cohesive with a fast heartbeat. The formatting is also to the readers’ benefit compartmentalizing the embroidery into focal points supplemented with graphics of the actual Bayeux Tapestry. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is buttoned-up with finesse.
Co-authors often run the risk of contrasting tones that fail to mesh seamlessly and incur frequent repetition of material. Musgrove and Lewis overcome these hurdles with a cohesive, singular voice and keep repetition to a bare minimum resulting in an intriguing output. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is difficult to put down due to its fascinating essence but readers will be encouraged to do so in order to extend the journey.
Although academic in nature; “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is far from dry. Musgrove and Lewis offer a text that is so simple and yet multi-layered with a magical shine that can’t properly be described and rather needs to be experienced first-hand. Occasionally, Musgrove and Lewis suggest their own interpretation and raise further questions that flow on a philosophical strand and give readers ‘food for thought’.
“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” concludes with highlights of its historical, cultural and social legacies/impact showing its effects throughout history to modern day. In this manner, “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is summarized on a strong and memorable note. Musgrove and Lewis supplement “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” with a visual representation of the entire embroidery, a timeline of key period events and further reading notes (although these notes are very cluttered).
“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is absolutely phenomenal both in content and execution and is a pleasure to read. It can go as far as being in the top of antiquarian literature/history. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is recommended for all English history buffs and those interested in antiquated art/artifacts.
There are no two better-qualified individuals to come together to dissect the Bayeux Tapestry than David Musgrove and Michael Lewis. Musgrove is not the only the Content Director for the BBC History family of magazines (yes, plural); but also holds a PhD in Medieval Archaeology. Meanwhile, Michael Lewis holds a slew of credentials as the Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, Professor of archaeology, expert on the Bayeux Tapestry and member of the Bayeux Tapestry committee in charge of the redisplay of the embroidery. This alone ups the ante of “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” and pressures it to deliver to demand.
“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is an antiquarian lecture studying the embroidery in all its aspects from intent, creation, purpose, and textile & art history to social history accompanied by 145 illustrations. Although this sounds ambitious, lengthy and is lots of ground to cover in one volume; “The Story of Bayeux Tapestry” is readable, easy-to-understand, fast-paced and has an exciting narrative making it both educational/functional and entertaining.
Musgrove and Lewis begin “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” analyzing the who, when and why of embroidery using detective/sleuth skills and the few historical sources available to fully encapsulate the meaning of the Bayeux Tapestry. Being that the answers to all these questions are speculation; the authors traverse all schools of thought and variables without offering any biased, uneducated streams (albeit, occasionally intermingled with a hint of British humor). This gives “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” both a macro and micro look into the embroidery/Norman Conquest offering readers an extensive and well-rounded portrait.
“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” serves as a scene-by-scene exploration of the textile history but also stands as a scholarly breakdown of the fall of the Anglo-Saxon period and the Norman invasion in English history. Often, these eras are complicated to understand/remember even for the staunchest English history enthusiast; but Musgrove and Lewis impressively offer a text that is incredibly engaging with, “Now I get it!” – moments in an organic and effortless way. The entire text is cohesive with a fast heartbeat. The formatting is also to the readers’ benefit compartmentalizing the embroidery into focal points supplemented with graphics of the actual Bayeux Tapestry. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is buttoned-up with finesse.
Co-authors often run the risk of contrasting tones that fail to mesh seamlessly and incur frequent repetition of material. Musgrove and Lewis overcome these hurdles with a cohesive, singular voice and keep repetition to a bare minimum resulting in an intriguing output. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is difficult to put down due to its fascinating essence but readers will be encouraged to do so in order to extend the journey.
Although academic in nature; “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is far from dry. Musgrove and Lewis offer a text that is so simple and yet multi-layered with a magical shine that can’t properly be described and rather needs to be experienced first-hand. Occasionally, Musgrove and Lewis suggest their own interpretation and raise further questions that flow on a philosophical strand and give readers ‘food for thought’.
“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” concludes with highlights of its historical, cultural and social legacies/impact showing its effects throughout history to modern day. In this manner, “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is summarized on a strong and memorable note. Musgrove and Lewis supplement “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” with a visual representation of the entire embroidery, a timeline of key period events and further reading notes (although these notes are very cluttered).
“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is absolutely phenomenal both in content and execution and is a pleasure to read. It can go as far as being in the top of antiquarian literature/history. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is recommended for all English history buffs and those interested in antiquated art/artifacts.
April 15, 2022
Zaczyna się to wszystko jak telenowela, więc jak ktoś ma pamięć do genealogii w typie “Stu lat samotności”, odnajdzie się w tej historii doskonale. Jest sobie Aethelred II Bezradny (wspaniały przydomek!) i jego żona, Emma. Mają syna Edwarda, który żyje na wygnaniu w Normandii po tym jak duński król Swen i jego syn, Kanut zajęli Anglię. Umiera Aethelred i Emma postanawia wyjść za Kanuta, czyli największego rywala swojego byłego męża. Rodzi im się Hardekanut. Umiera tatuś (Kanut) i jego syn na dwa lata zostaje królem Anglii. Szybko umiera, a na scenę wraca Edward. Z pomocą earla Wesseksu Godwina przejmuje tron. I tak rodzi się dla historii Edward II Wyznawca. Jest rok 1042.
To, że przyjaciele mogą stać się największymi wrogami, a wrogowie - przyjaciółmi, w polityce i historii nie jest niczym zaskakującym. Tak się dzieje i w naszej, normandzko-angielskiej sadze.
Na zachętę dodam też, że książka reprodukuje każdy detal z tkaniny i jest przepiękna!
Więcej tutaj - https://www.empik.com/empikultura/ksi...
To, że przyjaciele mogą stać się największymi wrogami, a wrogowie - przyjaciółmi, w polityce i historii nie jest niczym zaskakującym. Tak się dzieje i w naszej, normandzko-angielskiej sadze.
Na zachętę dodam też, że książka reprodukuje każdy detal z tkaniny i jest przepiękna!
Więcej tutaj - https://www.empik.com/empikultura/ksi...
February 24, 2022
A fantastic, in-depth study of the Bayeux tapestry, beginning with its most-likely manufacturing, patronage, and reason for existing. After that, the narrative continues with a panel-by-panel description of the action, detailing the various scenes and providing insight into the characters and places that are depicted. The authors are quick to identify many possible interpretations for scenes that are ambiguous, and clearly state that although some academics may prefer one interpretation over another, no one really has the true answer, leaving the reader to form their own opinion.
August 26, 2023
Can't say the introduction grabbed me , but glad I continued. A good overview of the Tapestry, including different interpretations of what is depicted. I enjoyed forming my own opinions on the meanings of each scene. It is also one of the best presented books I've ever read, making excellent use of pictures throughout rather than all in an insert in the middle. This book certainly makes me want to see the original artwork!
July 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
November 13, 2021
Beautifully designed book with lots of full-color illustrations and lively text. I thought the chapters going through the history that the tapestry covers would be dry, but they were in fact the most interesting part, illuminating both the history and the tapestry that tells it. An 11th century graphic novel. Way ahead of its time.
March 21, 2023
4,5. Średniowieczny thriller polityczny wyszyty na lnianej tkaninie. Wspaniała odskocznia od codzienności. A wydanie papierowe przepiękne z ilustracjami bardzo wysokiej jakości.
October 13, 2024
Interesting but a bit of a gruelling read
October 24, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk through each scene from the famous tapestry (which, as he keeps pointing out, is NOT a tapestry at all, but rather an embroidery. It was probably not made in Bayeux either).
My only gripe with my copy was that the paperback version contains only a small photographic representation of the "tapestry", which made following the scenes without a magnifying glass quite difficult. However, I quickly discovered a terrific website https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/the-b... which enabled me to follow in detail as the author made his very informative, descriptive, and wryly amusing way from scene to scene. Suddenly, there IS Harold, quirky pencil moustache to the fore; and here IS William, still running about in cartoon form 950 years later; here are the bizarre margin figures, strange naked men and women, frolicking outrageously on the periphery of the action, strange dragons and exotic birds depicted for reasons now lost in the mists of time, whilst horses and chain mail clad figures hack each other to embroidered death. Its fabulous!
(As an aside, a reminder if we needed it , that Charles III is King by virtue of his ancestor from 960 years ago winning a bloody skirmish in a field near Hastings, which could have gone either way.)
My only gripe with my copy was that the paperback version contains only a small photographic representation of the "tapestry", which made following the scenes without a magnifying glass quite difficult. However, I quickly discovered a terrific website https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/the-b... which enabled me to follow in detail as the author made his very informative, descriptive, and wryly amusing way from scene to scene. Suddenly, there IS Harold, quirky pencil moustache to the fore; and here IS William, still running about in cartoon form 950 years later; here are the bizarre margin figures, strange naked men and women, frolicking outrageously on the periphery of the action, strange dragons and exotic birds depicted for reasons now lost in the mists of time, whilst horses and chain mail clad figures hack each other to embroidered death. Its fabulous!
(As an aside, a reminder if we needed it , that Charles III is King by virtue of his ancestor from 960 years ago winning a bloody skirmish in a field near Hastings, which could have gone either way.)
February 27, 2023
The Bayeux Tapestry is infamous, but it’s actually an embroidery on linen and not a tapestry in the true sense of the word! It presents as series of story boards that tell the events of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
I wasn’t aware of the different theories of academics, historians, etc. about its origins, including who commissioned it, created it and what story they were trying to tell. I enjoyed the detail of this book and how it broke down each part of the “tapestry” to explain the context and historical events that might have taken place and what the “tapestry” captured. I also wasn't aware that parts at the beginning, or more likely the end are missing as it finishes abruptly after the Battle of Hastings, rather than where you would expect it to, which is the crowing of William as King of England on Xmas Day, 1066.
I would love to see it in reality, but to see the whole tapestry in one entire piece within the book and to learn about it depicting a historical "story", its cultural impacts and also as a piece of art in itself was fascinating.
I wasn’t aware of the different theories of academics, historians, etc. about its origins, including who commissioned it, created it and what story they were trying to tell. I enjoyed the detail of this book and how it broke down each part of the “tapestry” to explain the context and historical events that might have taken place and what the “tapestry” captured. I also wasn't aware that parts at the beginning, or more likely the end are missing as it finishes abruptly after the Battle of Hastings, rather than where you would expect it to, which is the crowing of William as King of England on Xmas Day, 1066.
I would love to see it in reality, but to see the whole tapestry in one entire piece within the book and to learn about it depicting a historical "story", its cultural impacts and also as a piece of art in itself was fascinating.
October 6, 2022
I read the first part of this book with great interest and enthusiasm. I learned a lot, and am grateful for the work and research involved. But as I continued to read, I found myself persevering through to the end, probably because I wanted the satisfaction of saying I read the whole thing. This book reads as if the authors expect people to pick it up and peruse at random. Some info is repeated, as though the authors worried you might have forgotten what they previously said. And much of the book is a continual variation of the phrase, “We really don’t know what’s going on here, but it could be x, y, or z.” I don’t mean to be harsh on this book. It is a really good resource. How can a person not be fascinated by the survival of an incredible, story-filled embroidery that is nearly a thousand years old?
April 8, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. We’ve all seen the odd photo of parts of the story depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry but I hadn’t seen all of it. This book takes the reader through the embroidery scene by scene (with lots of photos throughout so you can look at each scene as you read about it) and tells the story in a really easy to read way. Highly recommended to anyone with any interest in the subject and the recommended reading section is really good too.
August 5, 2022
Very well written. Extremely accessible. I wish that this book had been available before my visit to Bayeux to see the Tapestry. Also, and this isn't the fault of the book and its authors, I wish there was an interactive way to pull up the images while reading the text. To better understand the narrative, I find it necessary to keep going back to the images to appreciate the points being made. None the less an excellent book. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2023
The author started with the historical background on the political circumstances surrounding the invasion of Britain by William. Then he proceeded to elaborate on theories surrounding the origin of the Tapestry - he provided multiple theories with supporting evidence.
The better part of the book though is dedicated to describing and interpreting the Tapestry itself - in the finest style of a jongleur of the past and the cautious style of a scientist of the present.
The better part of the book though is dedicated to describing and interpreting the Tapestry itself - in the finest style of a jongleur of the past and the cautious style of a scientist of the present.
December 14, 2024
Pretty dry reading for such an interesting subject IMO, hence only 2 stars.
If you're looking for a really good take on the Bayeux Tapestry, I highly recommend you get your hands on:
1066: The Hidden History in the Bayeux Tapestry
If you're looking for a really good take on the Bayeux Tapestry, I highly recommend you get your hands on:
1066: The Hidden History in the Bayeux Tapestry
January 23, 2025
I admit that I did have to scan this very detailed book, but the explanations of the scenes in the tapestry are wonderful. Plus, the photography highlights the stitching, etc., that would be so hard to see even in person. Lovely book but would require a major investment of time to digest its scholarship.
August 31, 2024
True rating: 4.5/5
Everything you want to know about the Bayeux Tapestry. Highly recommend to read it along with the museum’s online version of the tapestry as the book’s photos can’t capture the detail.
Everything you want to know about the Bayeux Tapestry. Highly recommend to read it along with the museum’s online version of the tapestry as the book’s photos can’t capture the detail.
July 5, 2021
I rarely buy books but I’m glad I own this one. Only criticism is the need for an entry for restoration in the index.
October 18, 2021
This was really good. I knew basically nothing of the Bayeux Tapestry and the battle of Hastings (maybe I've heard the words?), so this was informative and fascinating to me.
November 7, 2024
Great exploration and explanation of one the most important pieces of Medieval art.
January 20, 2025
Good bite sized history of the Norman conquest that guides you through the Bayeux Tapestry while referencing related events not depicted.
November 26, 2025
Really insightful, well written narrative.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews