Bayeux Tapestry to Make Historic Return to London After 900 Years

Fri Oct 24 2025 11:02:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Bayeux Tapestry, an iconic medieval embroidery illustrating the Norman Conquest, will be exhibited in London from 2026.

For the first time in nearly a millennium, the Bayeux Tapestry will return to Britain, showcasing its rich historical narrative at the British Museum, following a loan agreement between France and the UK.

The Bayeux Tapestry, a monumental work of art chronicling the historic Norman Conquest of England in 1066, is set to return to the United Kingdom for display at the British Museum in London, beginning September 2026. This announcement, made during French President Emmanuel Macron's recent state visit to the UK, marks the first time this treasured tapestry will be seen in Britain since its creation over 900 years ago.

This remarkable embroidery spans approximately 230 feet and recounts key events of the Norman invasion, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Hastings, where William the Conqueror claimed the English throne from Harold Godwinson. The visually stunning piece, which was originally crafted to adorn the nave of a cathedral in France, features intricate scenes not only of the battle but also adorns decorative borders showcasing animals and fables drawn from the works of Aesop and Phaedrus.

Britain's Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, expressed her enthusiasm about welcoming the Bayeux Tapestry back to the nation, emphasizing it as a “symbol of our shared history” with France born out of centuries of cultural exchange and cooperation. The exhibition will undoubtedly provide visitors with a rare opportunity to engage with this significant artifact that encapsulates a formative period in British history.