The Bayeux Tapestry

By macdole
  • Edward dies
    Jan 5, 1066

    Edward dies

    On the 5 January 1066, King Edward the Confessor dies. In the upper chamber Edward is in his bed talking to his faithful followers, including Harold and Queen Edith; below he is shown dead with a priest in attendance.
  • Harold is crowned King of England
    Jan 6, 1066

    Harold is crowned King of England

    On 6 January 1066, Harold is crowned King of England. Halley's comet appears; people think it is an evil omen and are terrified. News of the comet is brought to Harold; beneath him a ghostly fleet of ships appears in the lower border.
  • William lands in England
    Sep 28, 1066

    William lands in England

    On the 28 September, William and his army land at Pevensey, England. William's men build a motte and bailey, a type of castle, and attack the surrounding villages.
  • William sets sail
    Oct 13, 1066

    William sets sail

    William decides to attack England. He leads his army to the boats and they set sail.
  • Harold is killed
    Oct 14, 1066

    Harold is killed

    The Normans kill King Harold. But how is he killed? He seems to be shown twice: first plucking an arrow from his eye, then being hacked down by a Norman knight. With Harold dead, the battle is over.
  • The Battle of Hastings begins
    Oct 14, 1066

    The Battle of Hastings begins

    On 14 October 1066, the Battle of Hastings begins. The air fills with arrows and lances. The English soldiers, who are all on foot, protect themselves with a wall of shields. The lower border of the tapestry is filled with dead and injured soldiers.