Appendix A Bayeux Tapestry

On November 24, 2023, Don and MT attended the "Bayeux Tapestry Tour," on which Viking Resident Historian Wing Commander (ret.) William Simpson provided insight into the blown-up images of various parts of the story told by the tapestry displayed on each level of the main staircases (once down the forward staircase, from Deck 9 forward down to Deck 1,  and once down the aft staircase, from Deck 8 aft down to Deck 1) following their order on the tapestry and telling the story they depict.  On November 25, Don revisited the route of the tour, trying to get better photos. However, the tour did not include all 58 scenes of the tapestry.

The purpose of this Blog post is to add photos and information about the rest of the scenes, fitting them in with the ones covered in the tour.

The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth, nearly 230 ft long and 20 inches tall, that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, led by William, Duke of Normandy challenging Harold II, King of England, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings. The tapestry is thought to date back to the 11th century, within a few years of the battle. Now widely accepted to have been made in England, perhaps as a gift to William, it tells the story from the point of view of the conquering Normans. For centuries it has been preserved in Normandy and since 1983 has been displayed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux, Normandy, France (which Don and MT had visited in 2012).

Entire Bayeaux Tapestry - panorama (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Tapisserie_de_Bayeux_31109.jpg). (If you visit this web site, you can click at any point on the long thin line to see detail of that portion.)

 

The entire Bayeux Tapestry (scroll left or right using the gray arrows). Individual images of each scene are at Bayeux Tapestry tituli at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry .

The cloth consists of 58 scenes, many with Latin tituli (plural of titulus, Latin for "inscription" or "label," meaning a label or caption naming figures of subjects of art, which were commonly added in classical and medieval art). They are embroidered on linen with colored woolen yarns. It is likely that it was commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux (ca. 1035-1097), William’s maternal half-brother, and made for him in England in the 1070s. The earliest known written reference to the tapestry is a 1476 inventory of Bayeux Cathedral, built by Odo and consecrated in 1077. In 1729, it was rediscovered by scholars when it was being displayed in Bayeux Cathedral. It can be seen as a rare example of secular Romanesque art.

The Bayeux Tapestry tituli are Medieval Latin captions that are embroidered along the tapestry scenes and describe the re-enactments portrayed in each scene. The tituli, comprising 2,226 characters and symbols, is the longest known text of its kind.

Lacking a record of Mr. Simpson's informative and entertaining commentary, Don's photo captions and associated text boxes will rely on information from reliable Internet sources, including those of the Reading Museum in Reading, Berkshire, England (which has a replica of the tapestry) and Wikipedia (which numbered the 58 scenes according to their Latin tituli), supplemented by public domain photos from Wikimedia Commons.

Don's photos from November 24 apparently only covered part of the tour (7 of the 9 scenes displayed here), and he had to take them from available angles due to the number of other passengers on the tour. So he came back the next day to repeat the tour on his own, still finding only 9 of the 58 scenes, but only 8 that were different from those of the previous day. Therefore, this post will include photos from both days, supplemented by public domain photos from Wikimedia Commons with commentary from a combination of Wikipedia and other Internet sources. Don took photos of 9 scenes on the forward staircase at 2:52-2:58 pm, then repeated that 2:58-3:07. For some reason, he did not do the aft staircase, possibly thinking it had been covered well the previous day. With those 8 scenes, there were a total of 17 for the tour, out of the 58 scenes on the tapestry.

For those who may be interested, Don has added Appendix A to this Blog post to include all 58 scenes identified by Wikipedia, each with public domain photo(s) from Wikimedia Commons along with the associated Latin titulus, its English translation, and additional commentary from a combination of Wikipedia and other Internet sources. (The numbering scheme uses the same numbers as on the tapestry's backing cloth, which were added sometime around 1800.)

2:52 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Scene 1 EDWARD[US] REX (King Edward), from top of forward staircase.

Bayeux Tapestry - Scene 1 EDWARD[US] REX (King Edward). (By ~ - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html; Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141777).

Scene 1 EDWARD[US] REX (King Edward). Edward the Confessor (c. 1003 – 5 January 1066) was an Anglo-Saxon English king and saint. He was the son of Æthelred the Unready, King of the English, and Emma of Normandy, a Norman-born noblewoman (referred to as Ælfgifu in royal documents), who by marriages after Edward’s death also became the Danish and Norwegian queen. Usually considered the last king of the House of Wessex, Edward ruled from 1042 until his death in 1066. Emma was the sister of Harold Godwinson, who succeeded Edward.

This scene shows Edward, seated on his throne at Westminster. The shorter of the two men to his left seems to be his brother-in-law Harold, earl of Wessex, (dressed as in scene 2, where he is identified).

In 1064, Edward, still childless, naturally turned to William of Normandy, his first cousin once removed, to succeed him on the throne. So he decided to send his brother-in-law Harold to Normandy to deliver his message to William.

Harold Godwinson (c. 1022 – 14 October 1066), also called Harold II, was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon English king. Harold reigned from 6 January 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, the decisive battle of the Norman Conquest. Harold's death marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule over England. He was succeeded by William of Normandy, henceforth known as William the Conqueror.

3:00 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Scene 1 EDWARD[US] REX (King Edward).

Scenes 2-3 UBI HAROLD DUX ANGLORUM ET SUI MILITES EQUITANT AD BOSHAM ECCLESIA[M] (Where Harold, a leader of the English, and his knights ride to Bosham Church) (By ~ - hs-augsburg.de; Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141778).

 
Scenes 2-3 UBI HAROLD DUX ANGLORUM ET SUI MILITES EQUITANT AD BOSHAM ECCLESIA[M] (Where Harold, a leader of the English, and his knights ride to Bosham Church). Bosham is a coastal village in West Sussex. It is mentioned on the tapestry in reference to the 1064 meeting of Harold and Edward on the way to meet William of Normandy to discuss who would succeed Edward to the throne of England. William’s claim to the English throne was based on his assertion that, in 1051, Edward had promised him the throne (he was a distant cousin) and that Harold, having sworn in 1064 to uphold William’s right to succeed to that throne, was therefore a usurper.

Harold, holding a hawk, is seen making for the south coast with his followers and hunting dogs, heading for Bosham. At the right, Harold and a companion are shown entering the church at Bosham to pray for a safe voyage.

2:53 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Right side of Scene 4 HIC HAROLD MARE NAVIGAVIT (Here Harold sailed by sea).

 

Bayeux Tapestry - Scene 4 HIC HAROLD MARE NAVIGAVIT (Here Harold sailed by sea). (By ~ - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html; Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141027).

 
Scene 4 HIC HAROLD MARE NAVIGAVIT (Here Harold sailed by sea). Harold and his knights arrive at Bosham, a coastal village in West Sussex, where he had many houses including a manor house. The night before they leave, a feast is held in Harold’s manor house at Bosham (at left). Harold and his companions then board their ships with their hunting dogs and hawks. Harold (at right)  is shown here still carrying a hawk as he boards the ship. In the history of England, falconry was considered a royal sport. Harold, the last Anglo-Saxon king, has traditionally been considered a falconer because he is portrayed at several places on the Bayeux Tapestry carrying a hawk. Then, the ships set sail from Bosham to cross the channel. 

 

Scene 5 ET VELIS VENTO PLENIS VENIT IN TERRA WIDONIS COMITIS (and with sails filled with wind came to the land of Count Wido) (By ~ - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html; Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141779).

 
Scene 5 ET VELIS VENTO PLENIS VENIT IN TERRA WIDONIS COMITIS (and with sails filled with wind came to the land of Count Wido). Harold’s ships, sailing across the channel, are blown off course, landing at Ponthieu. Count Guy I of Ponthieu (also known in the Bayeux Tapestry as Wido) was born sometime in the mid- to late 1020s and died 13 October 1100. From the mast of the boat, you can see a lookout spying land. It is Ponthieu, north of Normandy, a territory belonging to the fierce Count Guy.

2:54 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Scene 6 HAROLD (Harold).

 

Scene 6 HAROLD (Harold). (By ~ - hs-augsburg.de; Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141780).

 
Scene 6 HAROLD (Harold). Harold Godwinson (c. 1022 – 14 October 1066), also called Harold II, was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon English king. Harold reigned from 6 January 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, the decisive battle of the Norman Conquest. Harold's death marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule over England. He was succeeded by William the Conqueror.
In this scene, Harold stands at the front of the ship that is already anchored, below his Latin name. Others from his ship have already disembarked. A second ship is about to drop anchor. (At the far right in this photo, part of Scene 7 and its titulus, is shown; in this part of that scene, Harold, upon disembarking, is immediately seized by Guy’s soldiers.)

Scene 7 HIC APPREHENDIT WIDO HAROLDU[M] (Here Wido seized Harold) (By ~ - hs-augsburg.de; Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141781).

 
Scene 7 HIC APPREHENDIT WIDO HAROLDU[M] (Here Wido seized Harold). Harold is shown disembarking the ship and being immediately seized by Count Guy’s soldiers, while Count Guy directs operations from horseback.

  

Scene 8. ET DUXIT EUM AD BELREM ET IBI EUM TENUIT (and led him to Beaurain and held him there) (By ~ - hs-augsburg.de; Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141782).

 
Scene 8. ET DUXIT EUM AD BELREM ET IBI EUM TENUIT (and led him to Beaurain and held him there). [Beaurainville (West Flemish: Belrem) is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region in northern France.] Despite being Count Guy's prisoner, Harold is treated with respect. He rides in front, still carrying his hawk, as he rides toward Beaurain, Guy's capital town.

November 24, 2023 1:17 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Wing Commander (ret.) William Simpson near start of tour, at part of Scene 9 UBI HAROLD WIDO PARABOLANT (Where Harold and Wido confer).

 

Scene 9  UBI HAROLD WIDO PARABOLANT (Where Harold and Wido confer) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141783).

 
Scene 9 UBI HAROLD WIDO PARABOLANT (Where Harold and Wido confer). Count Guy I of Ponthieu (also known in the Bayeux Tapestry as Wido) was born sometime in the mid- to late 1020s and died 13 October 1100. Harold’s forces, having sailed from Normandy, landed in his territory, Ponthieu, and Harold is captured by Count Guy. Messengers from Guy's overlord, Duke William of Normandy, demand Harold's release, and Guy takes Harold to meet William.

In this scene, Guy sits on his throne and speaks with Harold.

2:54 PM - Viking Star: part of Scene 9 UBI HAROLD WIDO PARABOLANT (Where Harold and Wido confer), with Count Guy (Wido) seated and pointing at Harold.

Scene 10a UBI NUNTII WILLELMI DUCIS VENERUNT AD WIDONE[M] (Where the messengers of Duke William came to Wido) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1714178).

 Scene 10a UBI NUNTII WILLELMI DUCIS VENERUNT AD WIDONE[M] (Where the messengers of Duke William came to Wido).

The next three segments of the tapestry continue the story in reverse order, from right to left. The scene begins with two messengers arriving at Count Guy's court. They have been sent from Guy's overlord, Duke William of Normandy, demanding Harold's release.

Scene 10b (cont) TUROLD (Turold) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141785).

Scene 10b (cont) TUROLD (Turold). [Which of two figures is being identified is uncertain; Turold may be the very short figure, or one of the two messengers. Also uncertain is the identification of the namesake with a known historical person. He may be the same person as Turold of Rochester, a vassal of Bishop Odo who became constable of Bayeux. However, Turold was a common name at the time the tapestry was created.]

Scene 11 NUNTII WILLELMI (The messengers of William) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141884).

As the scenes continue in reverse order, William's messengers ride furiously to bring his message to Guy, their hair flying in the wind.

Scene 12 † HIC VENIT NUNTIUS AD WILGELMUM DUCEM († Here the messenger comes to Duke William) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141886).

This is really the first of the three segments. News is brought to William that Guy has seized Harold. (However, this could picture the messengers returning to William after delivering his message,)

Scene 13 HIC WIDO ADDUXIT HAROLDUM AD WILGELMUM NORMANNORUM DUCEM (Here Wido led Harold to William Duke of the Normans) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141887).

Guy obeys William's order and takes Harold to meet him. Guy points to Harold; both men carry their hawks.

Scene 14 HIC DUX WILGELM[US] CUM HAROLDO VENIT AD PALATIU[M] SUU[M] (Here Duke William comes with Harold to his palace) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141889).

Scene 14 HIC DUX WILGELM[US] CUM HAROLDO VENIT AD PALATIU[M] SUU[M] (Here Duke William comes with Harold to his palace). William and Harold ride with soldiers to William's palace at Rouen. Now William has the hawk! William sits while Harold talks to him.

Scene 15 UBI UNUS CLERICUS ET ÆLFGYVA (Where a cleric and Ælfgyva ... (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141890).

Scene 15 UBI UNUS CLERICUS ET ÆLFGYVA (Where a cleric and Ælfgyva ...) [a verb is missing]. A mysterious incident between a woman named Ælfgyva and a priest seems to have nothing to do with the main story, but it may have been well known in the 11th century, It might refer to a sexual scandal (The man in the lower border is naked in the original tapestry, but he has been provided with shorts by the Victorian embroiderers who made the copy in the Reading Museum.) 

Scene 16 HIC WILLEM[US] DUX ET EXERCITUS EIUS VENERUNT AD MONTE[M] MICHAELIS (Here Duke William and his army came to the Mount of Michael). Mont-Saint-Michel (English: Saint Michael’s Mount) is a tidal island in Normandy. (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141891).

Harold accompanies William and the Norman  soldiers as they set off to fight Duke Conan of Brittany. They pass Mont St. Michel, on a tidal island which is on the border between Normandy and Brittany.

2:55 PM - Scene 17 ET HIC TRANSIERUNT FLUMEN COSNONIS (and here they crossed the river Couesnon).

 

Scene 17a ET HIC TRANSIERUNT FLUMEN COSNONIS (and here they crossed the river Couesnon). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141894).

 
Scene 17a ET HIC TRANSIERUNT FLUMEN COSNONIS (and here they crossed the river Couesnon). The Couesnon is a river that forms an estuary at Mont-Saint-Michel. The mount had gained strategic significance in 933, when it became part of Normandy. After Harold is released to William, William invites him to accompany him on a campaign against Conan II, Duke of Brittany. On the way, just outside the monastery of Mont Saint-Michel, the army becomes mired in quicksand. Here, Harold, known as being a great warrior, is pictured rescuing two Norman knights from the quicksand in the tidal flats. Some of the soldiers hold their shields above their heads to keep them out of the water.
 

Scene 17b ET HIC TRANSIERUNT FLUMEN COSNONIS (and here they crossed the river Couesnon). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:COSNONIS-COESNON.JPG).

Scene 17b ET HIC TRANSIERUNT FLUMEN COSNONIS (and here they crossed the river Couesnon). Higher-resolution detail shows one knight falling into the quicksand as his horse stumbles and then Harold rescuing two knights from the quicksand.

Scene 18a ET VENERUNT AD DOL ET CONAN FUGA VERTIT (and they came to Dol and Conan turned in flight) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141896).

 
Scene 18a ET VENERUNT AD DOL ET CONAN FUGA VERTIT (and they came to Dol and Conan turned in flight). The Norman soldiers attack Dol, a commune in Brittany, and Duke Conan escapes down a rope from the castle.

 

Scene 18b (cont) REDNES (Rennes) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141897).

 
Scene 18b (cont) REDNES (Rennes). Rennes is a city in the east of Brittany in Northwestern France. Chasing Conan, the Normans pass Rennes, the capital of Brittany.

2:56 PM - Scene 19 HIC MILITES WILLELMI DUCIS PUGNANT CONTRA DINANTES (Here the knights of Duke William fight against the men of Dinan). 

Scene 19 HIC MILITES WILLELMI DUCIS PUGNANT CONTRA DINANTES (Here the knights of Duke William fight against the men of Dinan). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141902).

Dinan is a walled Breton town and a commune in the Côtes-d'Armor department in northwestern France. This scene shows the early castle of Dinan. The Normans catch up with Conan at Dinan. During the battle, soldiers on horseback throw lances, and others try to set fire to the defenses. Conan surrenders and passes the keys of Dinan to William on the point of a lance.

 

Scene 20 ET CUNAN CLAVES PORREXIT (and Conan passed out the keys) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17141901).

 
Scene 20 ET CUNAN CLAVES PORREXIT (and Conan passed out the keys). Conan surrenders and passes the keys of Dinan to William on the point of a lance.
 

Scene 21 HIC WILLELM[US] DEDIT ARMA HAROLDO (Here William gave arms to Harold) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142014).

 
Scene 21 HIC WILLELM[US] DEDIT ARMA HAROLDO (Here William gave arms to Harold). As a reward for his services, William honors Harold with the gift of arms. This ceremony would have been seen as making William Harold's overlord, which would have been highly symbolic from the Norman point of view.
 

Scene 22 HIE [sic! Misspelling of HIC] WILLELM[US] VENIT BAGIAS (Here William came to Bayeux) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142012).

 
Scene 22 HIE [sic! Misspelling of HIC] WILLELM[US] VENIT BAGIAS (Here William came to Bayeux). William and Harold return to Normandy and reach the town of Bayeux. Bayeux is located 7 km (4 mi) from the coast of the channel. 

 

2:57 PM - Scene 23 UBI HAROLD SACRAMENTUM FECIT WILLELMO DUCI (Where Harold made an oath to Duke William).

 

 

Scene 23 UBI HAROLD SACRAMENTUM FECIT WILLELMO DUCI (Where Harold made an oath to Duke William) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142013).
 
Harold is shown touching two altars at Bayeux as William watches. According to the Bayreux Tapestry and other Norman sources, Harold swore an oath on sacred relics to support William’s claim to the English throne. After Edward’s death, the Normans were quick to claim that, accepting the crown of England, Harold had broken this oath.

Scene 24 HIC HAROLD DUX REVERSUS EST AD ANGLICAM TERRAM (Here earl Harold returned to English land) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142015).

 
Scene 24 HIC HAROLD DUX REVERSUS EST AD ANGLICAM TERRAM (Here earl Harold returned to English land). After swearing the oath, Harold, who has been treated as a prisoner, is at last set free and sails back to England.

2:57 PM - Scene 25 ET VENIT AD EDWARDU[M] REGEM (Here earl Harold returned to English land, and he came to King Edward).

 

Scene 25 ET VENIT AD EDWARDU[M] REGEM (and he came to King Edward). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142016).

 
Here Harold has returned to England. He talks to King Edward, who is shown as frail and ill, although he was still perfectly healthy at that time. Edward appears to be remonstrating with him. Harold is in a somewhat submissive posture and seems to be in disgrace. However, possibly deliberately, the king's intentions are not made clear.

2:58 PM - Scene 26 HIC PORTATUR CORPUS EADWARDI REGIS AD ECCLESIAM S[AN]C[T]I PETRI AP[OSTO]LI (Here the body of King Edward is carried to the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle).

The Tapestry reverses the scenes of his death (Scenes 27 and 28) and his burial (Scene 26).
 

Scene 27 HIC EADWARDUS REX IN LECTO ALLOQUIT[UR] FIDELES (Here King Edward in bed speaks to his faithful followers). Scene 28 ET HIC DEFUNCTUS EST (and here he died). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142018).

In the upper part (Scene 27),  the scene has shifted by about one year since Harold visited Edward in Scene 25, to when Edward has become mortally ill. King Edward is shown in his bed, speaking with his faithful followers, which includes both Harold and Queen Edith. Queen Edith was Harold's sister, originally named Gytha but renamed Ealdgyth (or Edith of Wessex) when she married King Edward. 

The tapestry strongly suggests that, on his deathbed, Edward bequeaths the crown to Harold.

Below (Scene 28), Edward is shown dead with a priest in attendance.
 

Scene 26 HIC PORTATUR CORPUS EADWARDI REGIS AD ECCLESIAM S[AN]C[T]I PETRI AP[OSTO]LI (Here the body of King Edward is carried to the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142017).

Westminster Abbey is formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster.
Edward died on the January 5, 1066. Here, we see his funeral procession to Westminster Abbey, his great new church, although Edward had been too ill to attend its consecration on December 28, 1065.

 

Scene 27 HIC EADWARDUS REX IN LECTO ALLOQUIT[UR] FIDELES (Here King Edward in bed speaks to his faithful followers) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142018).

 
Scene 27 HIC EADWARDUS REX IN LECTO ALLOQUIT[UR] FIDELES (Here King Edward in bed speaks to his faithful followers). The followers include both Harold and Queen Edith.

 

Scene 28 [higher resolution detail of Scene 27] ET HIC DEFUNCTUS EST (and here he died) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142018).

 
Scene 28 [higher resolution detail of Scene 27] ET HIC DEFUNCTUS EST (and here he died). Edward died on January 5, 1066. 
 

Scene 29 HIC DEDERUNT HAROLDO CORONA[M] REGIS (Here they gave the king's crown to Harold) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142019).

 
 
Scene 29 HIC DEDERUNT HAROLDO CORONA[M] REGIS (Here they gave the king's crown to Harold). Two noblemen present Harold with the crown and axe, symbols of royal authority that will make him King. Harold accepts the offer.
 

 November 24, 2023 1:32 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Scene 30 HIC RESIDET HAROLD REX ANGLORUM (Here sits Harold King of the English) and Scene 31 STIGANT ARCHIEP[ISCOPU]S (Archbishop Stigand).

 

Scenes 30 and 31 HIC RESIDET HAROLD REX ANGLORUM (Here sits Harold King of the English) and STIGANT ARCHIEP[ISCOPU]S (Archbishop Stigand). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142020).

 
Scene 30 HIC RESIDET HAROLD REX ANGLORUM (Here sits Harold King of the English). In 1064, King Edward of England, still childless, had turned to William of Normandy, his first cousin once removed, to succeed him on the throne. By the end of Edward’s reign, however, Harold had gradually become the strong man of England and the standard-bearer of those opposed to the Normans. Perhaps Edward changed his mind and designated Harold as his successor. On Edward’s death, two noblemen present Harold with the crown and axe, symbols of royal authority that will make him King. Harold accepts the offer. On 6 January 1066, Harold is crowned King in place of William of Normandy. Here, he sits on the throne with nobles to the left and Archbishop Stigand to the right. At the far right, he is cheered on by the masses.

Scene 31 STIGANT ARCHIEP[ISCOPU]S (Archbishop Stigand). (Higher Resolution detail of By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.dei/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142020).

Scene 31 STIGANT ARCHIEP[ISCOPU]S (Archbishop Stigand). Stigand (died 1072) was an Anglo-Saxon clergyman in pre-Norman Conquest England, who became Bishop of Elmham in 1043 and later Archbishop of Canterbury; from the latter, he was deposed in 1070, imprisoned, and his wealth confiscated by William the Conqueror.

Scene 32 ISTI MIRANT[UR] STELLA[M] (These people marvel at the star) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142094).

Scene 32 ISTI MIRANT[UR] STELLA[M] (These people marvel at the star [i.e., Halley’s comet, which appears at top right]). While the crowd at the right was cheering on the coronation, the scene shows men gazing in awe or perhaps terror at the comet in the sky. In 1066, the appearance of Halley's Comet was widely interpreted as a bad omen for the reign of King Harold, which would end with his death in the Battle of Hastings later that year.

Scene 32a Detail of Halley's Comet, seen in scenes 32 and 33 (By Unknown author - Tapisserie de Bayeux, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3080181).

Scene 33 HAROLD (Harold) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142092).

Scene 33 HAROLD (Harold). Halley's Comet appears at top left. News of the comet is brought to Harold. Beneath him, a ghostly fleet of ships appears in the lower border, a hint of the Norman invasion to come.

Scene 34 HIC NAVIS ANGLICA VENIT IN TERRAM WILLELMI DUCIS (Here an English ship came to the land of Duke William) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142093).

Scene 34 HIC NAVIS ANGLICA VENIT IN TERRAM WILLELMI DUCIS (Here an English ship came to the land of Duke William). News of Edward's death and Harold's coronation is carried across the channel to William.

 

November 24, 2023 1:43 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Scene 35 HIC WILLELM[US] DUX JUSSIT NAVES [A]EDIFICARE EDIFICARE (Here Duke William ordered ships to be built), with Wing Commander (ret.) William Simpson; MT in foreground.

Scene 35 HIC WILLELM[US] DUX JUSSIT NAVES [A]EDIFICARE EDIFICARE (Here Duke William ordered ships to be built) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142095).

Scene 35 HIC WILLELM[US] DUX JUSSIT NAVES [A]EDIFICARE (Here Duke William ordered ships to be built). When news of Edward's death and Harold's coronation is carried across the channel to William, William is furious. The throne of England should be his, and he saw Harold as an usurper. William then decides to attack England and organizes a fleet of warships. To his left is Bishop Odo of Bayeux, William's half-brother, here making his first appearance in the tapestry. At the right in this scene, woodmen are cutting down trees and shaping them into planks for building ships. 

Scene 36 HIC TRAHUNT NAVES AD MARE (Here they drag the ships to the sea) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142096).

 
Scene 36 HIC TRAHUNT NAVES AD MARE (Here they drag the ships to the sea). Just to the right of this, Scene 37 shows provisions being brought to the ships.

 

Scene 37 ISTI PORTANT ARMAS AD NAVES ET HIC TRAHUNT CARRUM CUM VINO ET ARMIS (These men carry arms to the ships and here they drag a cart (laden) with wine and arms) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142097).

 
Scene 37 ISTI PORTANT ARMAS AD NAVES ET HIC TRAHUNT CARRUM CUM VINO ET ARMIS (These men carry arms to the ships and here they drag a cart (laden) with wine and arms). Food and drink are brought down to the ships. So are weapons and armor, including coats of chainmail, helmets, sword, and lances.

 

Scene 38 † HIC WILLELM[US] DUX IN MAGNO NAVIGIO MARE TRANSIVIT ET VENIT AD PEVENESÆ († Here Duke William in a great ship crossed the sea and came to Pevensey (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142098).

 
Scene 38 † HIC WILLELM[US] DUX IN MAGNO NAVIGIO MARE TRANSIVIT ET VENIT AD PEVENESÆ († Here Duke William in a great ship crossed the sea and came to Pevensey). William leads his army to the ships; they embark and set sail, as the crossing of the channel begins.  he sea is crowded with ships, filled with soldiers and horses. William sails in his ship, Mora, which was bought for him by his wife Matilda. 

(Pevensey is a village in East Sussex where William landed.)

 

Scene 39 HIC EXEUNT CABALLI DE NAVIBUS (Here the horses leave the ships) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142099).

 
Scene 39 HIC EXEUNT CABALLI DE NAVIBUS (Here the horses leave the ships). On September 28, 1066, the Norman army arrives at the south coast of England, where they land at Pevensey. 
 

Scene 40 ET HIC MILITES FESTINAVERUNT HESTINGA UT CIBUM RAPERENTUR (and here the knights have hurried to Hastings to seize food) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142100).

 
Scene 40 ET HIC MILITES FESTINAVERUNT HESTINGA UT CIBUM RAPERENTUR (and here the knights have hurried to Hastings to seize food). Soldiers disembark and ride toward Hastings. [Hastings is a seaside town and borough in East Sussex on the south coast of England. The town gave its name to the battle what took place 8 mi northwest of it.]

 

Scene 41 HIC EST WADARD (Here is Wadard) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142138).

 
Scene 41 HIC EST WADARD (Here is Wadard). Wadard, seated on a horse here, was a Norman nobleman who travelled to England with William and became a vassal of Bishop Odo.
 

Scene 42 HIC COQUITUR CARO ET HIC MINISTRAVERUNT MINISTRI (Here the meat is being cooked and here the servants have served (it)) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1714213).

 

Scene 42 HIC COQUITUR CARO ET HIC MINISTRAVERUNT MINISTRI (Here the meat is being cooked and here the servants have served (it). A feast is prepared in the open-air, with chickens on skewers, a stew cooked over an open fire, and food from an outdoor oven.

Scene 43a HIC FECERUN[T] PRANDIUM (Here they have a meal) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142140).

 

Scene 43a HIC FECERUN[T] PRANDIUM (Here they have a meal). Chicken being served on skewers. Servants load food onto shields to carry to the banquet.

Scene 43b (cont) ET HIC EPISCOPUS CIBU[M] ET POTU[M] BENEDICIT (And here the bishop blesses the food and drink) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142142).
 
Scene 43b (cont) ET HIC EPISCOPUS CIBU[M] ET POTU[M] BENEDICIT (And here the bishop blesses the food and drink). William sits down to a feast with his nobles, and Bishop Odo says grace.

Scene 44 ODO EP[ISCOPU]S WILLEM[US] ROTBERT (Bishop Odo, William, Robert) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142141).

 
Scene 44 ODO EP[ISCOPU]S WILLEM[US] ROTBERT (Bishop Odo, William, Robert). Duke William appears in discussion with his half-brothers, Bishop Odo and Robert, Count of Mortain. Robert was a Norman nobleman, brother of Odo and half-brother of William; a proven companion of William at the Battle of Hastings who became one of the greatest landholders in William’s new Kingdom of England.

Scene 45a ISTE JUSSIT UT FODERETUR CASTELLUM AT HESTENGA (He ordered that a motte should be dug at Hastings) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142143).

 
Scene 45a ISTE JUSSIT UT FODERETUR CASTELLUM AT HESTENGA (He ordered that a motte should be dug at Hastings). A motte is a mound forming the site of a castle or camp. This one was a type of castle built to strengthen the Norman invaders' base at Hastings.

Scene 45b (cont) CEASTRA (the camp) in higher resolution detail (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tapestry_by_unknown_weaver_-_The_Bayeux_Tapestry_(detail)_-_WGA24171.jpg).

Scene 46 HIC NUNTIATUM EST WILLELM[O] DE HAROLD[O] (Here William was told about Harold) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142144).

 
Scene 46 HIC NUNTIATUM EST WILLELM[O] DE HAROLD[O] (Here William was told about Harold). A messenger brings William news of Harold and his army.

Scene 47 HIC DOMUS INCENDITUR (Here a house is burned) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142146).

Scene 47 HIC DOMUS INCENDITUR (Here a house is burned). A woman and her child flee from a burning house.

November 24, 2023 1:57 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - left end of Scene 48 HIC MILITES EXIERUNT DE HESTENGA ET VENERUNT AD PR[O]ELIUM CONTRA HAROLDUM REGE[M] (Here the knights have left Hastings and have come to the battle against King Harold) and Wing Commander (ret.) William Simpson.

Scene 48 HIC MILITES EXIERUNT DE HESTENGA ET VENERUNT AD PR[O]ELIUM CONTRA HAROLDUM REGE[M] (Here the knights have left Hastings and have come to the battle against King Harold). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - Public Domain, <a href=https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142145).

 

Scene 48 HIC MILITES EXIERUNT DE HESTENGA ET VENERUNT AD PR[O]ELIUM CONTRA HAROLDUM REGE[M] (Here the knights have left Hastings and have come to the battle against King Harold). This scene is of the morning of the battle. on October 14, 1066. At the far left, before the battle, William is shown dressed in full armor, preparing to mount his dark horse. Then the Norman cavalry rides out to meet Harold’s Anglo-Saxon soldiers.

Scene 49 HIC WILLELM[US] DUX INTERROGAT VITAL[EM] SI VIDISSET HAROLDI EXERCITU[M] (Here Duke William asks Vital if he has seen Harold's army) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142147 ).

 
Scene 49 HIC WILLELM[US] DUX INTERROGAT VITAL[EM] SI VIDISSET HAROLDI EXERCITU[M] (Here Duke William asks Vital if he has seen Harold's army). William is shown twice here. First, he appears on a dark horse at the head of his troops. Then he is shown immediately to the right asking Vital (one of Odo’s followers) if the enemy has been seen yet. The name "Harold" appears between the two appearances.
 

Scene 50 ISTE NUNTIAT HAROLDUM REGE[M] DE EXERCITU WILLELMI DUCIS (his messenger tells King Harold about Duke William's army) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142148).

 
Scene 50 ISTE NUNTIAT HAROLDUM REGE[M] DE EXERCITU WILLELMI DUCIS (his messenger tells King Harold about Duke William's army). Here the story changes to give the English perspective. A look-out warns Harold of the approaching Norman army.

November 24, 2023 1:58 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - right end of Scene 51b HIC WILLELM[US] DUX ALLOQUITUR SUIS MILITIBUS UT PREPAREN[T] SE VIRILITER ET SAPIENTER AD PR[O]ELIUM CONTRA ANGLORUM EXERCITU[M] (Here Duke William speaks to his knights to prepare themselves manfully and wisely for the battle against the army of the English), with Wing Commander (ret.) William Simpson.

 

Scene 51a HIC WILLELM[US] DUX ALLOQUITUR SUIS MILITIBUS UT PREPAREN[T] SE VIRILITER ET SAPIENTER AD PR[O]ELIUM CONTRA ANGLORUM EXERCITU[M] (Here Duke William speaks to his knights to prepare themselves manfully and wisely for the battle against the army of the English). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17151751).

 
Scene 51a HIC WILLELM[US] DUX ALLOQUITUR SUIS MILITIBUS UT PREPAREN[T] SE VIRILITER ET SAPIENTER AD PR[O]ELIUM CONTRA ANGLORUM EXERCITU[M] (Here Duke William speaks to [or harangues] his knights to prepare themselves manfully and wisely for the battle against the army of the English). Back on the Norman side, William, at far left, on a red horse and wielding a mace, gives a speech to inspire his Norman soldiers to charge as the battle begins.

 

Scene 51b. Right side of same scene, continuing the same titulus. The Normans charge, and the Battle of Hastings begins. (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17151749).

 
On the far right of the same scene, Duke William, on a black horse, leads the charge at the start of the battle.

 

Scene 52a HIC CECIDERUNT LEWINE ET GYRD FRATRES HAROLDI REGIS (Here fell Leofwine and Gyrth, brothers of King Harold) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry_tituli#/media/File:BayeuxTapestryScene52a.jpg).

 
Scene 52a HIC CECIDERUNT LEWINE ET GYRD FRATRES HAROLDI REGIS (Here fell Leofwine and Gyrth, brothers of King Harold). On the far left of the same scene, Duke William, on a black horse, leads the charge at the start of the battle. As arrows and lances fly through the air, many men lie dead or wounded on the battlefield (on the lower border of the tapestry). The English soldiers, who are all on foot, protect themselves with a wall of shields.

 

Scene 52b (Scene 52 continued) HIC CECIDERUNT LEWINE ET GYRD FRATRES HAROLDI REGIS (Here fell Leofwine and Gyrth, brothers of King Harold)  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry_tituli#/media/File:BayeuxTapestryScene52b.jpg).

 
Scene 52b HIC CECIDERUNT LEWINE ET GYRD FRATRES HAROLDI REGIS (Here fell Leofwine and Gyrth, brothers of King Harold). The violence continues as men hack and spear each other to death. Harold's brothers both die fighting.
 

Scene 53a HIC CECIDERUNT SIMUL ANGLI ET FRANCI IN PR[O]ELIO (Here English and French fell at the same time in battle) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry_tituli#/media/File:BayeuxTapestryScene53.jpg).

Scene 53a HIC CECIDERUNT SIMUL ANGLI ET FRANCI IN PR[O]ELIO (Here English and French fell at the same time in battle). The battle rages on. Men and horses crash to the ground, and the lower border grows strewn with slaughtered troops and animals.

Scene 53b HIC CECIDERUNT SIMUL ANGLI ET FRANCI IN PR[O]ELIO (Here English and French fell at the same time in battle) in higher resolution detail (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tapestry_by_unknown_weaver_-_The_Bayeux_Tapestry_(detail)_-_WGA24165.jpg ).

 

Scene 54 HIC ODO EP[ISCOPU]S BACULU[M] TENENS CONFORTAT PUEROS (Here Bishop Odo, holding a club, gives strength to the boys) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry_tituli#/media/File:BayeuxTapestryScene54.jpg ).

 
Scene 54 HIC ODO EP[ISCOPU]S BACULU[M] TENENS CONFORTAT PUEROS (Here Bishop Odo, holding a club, gives strength to the boys). Bishop Odo appears in the thick of the fighting, waving a club and encouraging his followers. Odo uses a club rather than a sword, since bishops were not supposed to shed blood.
 

Scene 55 HIC EST WILLEL[MUS] DUX (Here is Duke William). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry_tituli#/media/File:BayeuxTapestryScene55.jpg).

 
Scene 55 HIC EST WILLEL[MUS] DUX (Here is Duke William). After a fall from his horse, William raises his helmet to reveal his face. This shows his troops that he is still alive and encourages them to continue fighting. To his right, Count Eustace carries an elaborate banner, which may be the one given by the Pope to show his support for William's invasion of England.
 

November 24, 2023 2:00 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Scene 56b HIC FRANCI PUGNANT ET CECIDERUNT QUI ERANT CUM HAROLDO (Here the French are fighting and have killed those who were with Harold), and Wing Commander (ret.) William Simpson.

 

Scene 56a E[USTA]TIUS (Eustace). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17143621).

 
Scene 56a E[USTA]TIUS (Eustace). Eustace II, (c. 1015–c. 1087), also known as Eustace aux Grenons ("Eustace with long moustaches"), was Count of Boulogne from 1049 to 1087. He fought on the Norman side at the Battle of Hastings, and afterwards received large grants of land forming an honor (feudal barony) in England.
 

Scene 56b HIC FRANCI PUGNANT ET CECIDERUNT QUI ERANT CUM HAROLDO (Here the French are fighting and have killed those who were with Harold). (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142224).

 
Scene 56b HIC FRANCI PUGNANT ET CECIDERUNT QUI ERANT CUM HAROLDO (Here the French are fighting and have killed those who were with Harold). Those who fell here included Leofwine and Gyrth, brothers of King Harold.

 

November 24, 2023 - Scene 56b HIC FRANCI PUGNANT ET CECIDERUNT QUI ERANT CUM HAROLDO (Here the French are fighting and have killed those who were with Harold).

November 24, 2023 2:01 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - Scene 57 HIC HAROLD REX INTERFECTUS EST (Here King Harold was slain),

and Wing Commander (ret.) William Simpson.

 

Scene 57a HIC HAROLD REX INTERFECTUS EST (Here King Harold was slain) (By Image on web site of Ulrich Harsh. - http://www.hs-augsburg.de/~harsch/Chronologia/Lspost11/Bayeux/bay_tama.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17142228 ).

Scene 57a HIC HAROLD REX INTERFECTUS EST (Here King Harold was slain). As the battle continues, the Normans seem to be getting the upper hand. Many more soldiers die, and one appears to be having his head cut off. On the right is the best-known scene in the Tapestry: the Normans killing King Harold. But how is Harold killed? He seems to be shown twice: first plucking an arrow from his eye, and then being hacked down by a Norman knight on horseback. The tapestry is difficult to interpret here, but the second figure is probably Harold.

Scene 57b HIC HAROLD REX INTERFECTUS EST (Here King Harold was slain); detail of yellow arrow. (By Unknown seemsters - http://www.medievalists.net/2012/11/15/new-research-on-how-the-bayeux-tapestry-was-made/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29296693).

The figure standing below the part of the inscription with the name "Harold" is currently depicted gripping an arrow that has struck his eye. This, however, may have been a late 18th- or early 19th- century modification to the Tapestry. Some historians have questioned whether this man is intended to be Harold or if the panel shows two instances of Harold in sequence of his death: the figure standing to the left of the central figure commonly thought to be Harold, and then lying to the right almost supine being slain with a sword and mutilated beneath a horse's hooves.

November 24, 2023 2:10 PM - Viking Star: Bayeux Tapestry Tour - part of same Scene 57 HIC HAROLD REX INTERFECTUS EST (Here King Harold was slain), with Wing Commander (ret.) William Simpson; here, the yellow arrow is barely visible.

 

 

Scene 58a ET FUGA VERTERUNT ANGLI (and the English have turned in flight) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry_tituli#/media/File:BayeuxTapestryScene58.jpg).

 
Scene 58a ET FUGA VERTERUNT ANGLI (and the English have turned in flight). With Harold dead, the battle is over. The victorious Normans chase the remaining English from the battlefield. The final scene from the tapestry has been lost. It may have shown William being crowned King of England. This would match the scene at the very beginning of the tapestry, which shows King Edward secure on the throne just two years earlier.

 

Scene 58b ET FUGA VERTERUNT ANGLI (and the English have turned in flight) in higher resolution detail of the right side (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Fleeing_bayeux_tapestry.png).

 
Scene 58b ET FUGA VERTERUNT ANGLI (and the English have turned in flight) in higher resolution detail. The English fleeing.