The unique 70 metre long tapestry that depicts the 1066 Norman Conquest of Britain will be put on public display in the UK in 2022. The historic embroidery will leave France for first time since the 11th century.

The exhibition has been announced to coincide with the UK-France summit taking place this week. The loan of the Tapestry will form part of a wider cultural exchange taking place between Britain and France over the next four years and marks a key milestone in the celebration of our shared history.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Our shared history is reflected in the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK in 2022, the first time it will be on British soil in more than 900 years. The loan of the Tapestry will form part of a wider cultural exchange taking place between Britain and France over the next four years. I am honoured at the loan of such a precious piece of our shared history which yet again underscores the closeness of the UK-France relationship.”

 

 

The tapestry was created in the UK in the eleventh century, shortly after the Battle of Hastings and has been on display in various locations in France since its completion. The Tapestry is now part of the UNESCO Memory of the World Register and depicts the Battle which saw William the Conqueror take the English throne in 1066.

The Tapestry will come to the UK while its current home, the Bayeux Museum, undergoes refurbishment in 2022. Further details of the exhibition, including exact dates and locations will be released in due course.