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Cake day: January 16th, 2026
  • Innerworld@lemmy.worldOPtoTraditional Art@lemmy.world•The Bayeux Tapestry, showing William of Normandy, chronicling the English/Norman battle in 1066 which led to the Norman ConquestEnglish
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    21 days ago

    Fun fact I didn’t see coming:

    An 11th-century tapestry arrived at London’s British Museum yesterday after a covert, high-security operation, marking the first time it has left France in nearly 1,000 years.

    The Bayeux Tapestry traveled roughly 350 miles overnight by truck and train in a climate-controlled, vibration-dampening crate. Stitched in wool thread on linen, the 230-foot-long embroidery depicts the lead up to William, Duke of Normandy’s, 1066 invasion of England—an event that solidified lasting ties between Britain and France (explore here, scene by scene).

    Historians believe the piece was made in England and then sent to William’s half brother in France, where it has since remained. British officials have asked to borrow it since the 1950s, but France repeatedly refused, citing its fragility. (A recent report found it has 24,204 stains, 9,646 holes, and 30 tears.) French President Emmanuel Macron ultimately approved the loan in 2018 as a gesture of trust and friendship. Learn how Britain and France went from foes to friends here (w/video).

    The Bayeux Tapestry will be on display in London from Sept. 10, 2026, through July 11, 2027. The British Museum has already generated about $3.3M in ticket sales.

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