Bayeux Tapestry back in Britain after 950 years
THE Bayeux Tapestry is finally returning to British shores – after 950 years in France.
The countries reached the milestone agreement towards confirming the return of the tapestry in 2022 after Culture Secretary Matt Hancock secured an agreement in Paris yesterday with his French counterpart, Francoise Nyssen.
The artefact will be loaned while the Bayeux Museum is being refurbished.
Its return will be the first time it has been on display in the UK since its creation 950 years ago in England, to record the Norman victory at Hastings.
The agreement will also see both countries working together to produce a full English translation of the almost 1,000year-old tapestry.
Speaking about the deal secured yesterday, Mr Hancock said: ‘The Bayeux Tapestry is a world treasure and a symbol of the deep ties between Britain and France.
‘This agreement takes us a step closer to bringing the tapestry to our shores for the first time in almost a millennium.
‘It also underlines the ongoing commitment from both nations for greater cultural, digital and scientific collaboration now and into the future.
‘We are incredibly excited about the potential of the loan, to enhance further the bonds that tie us to our neighbours across the water.’
The 230ft-long tapestry has travelled and been displayed around France, and is part of the Unesco Memory of the World Register.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport said the deal, which heralds ‘a period of cross-Channel co-operation between universities and research institutes’, will also consider the use of technology in making the tapestry accessible to future generations.