What the Bayeux tapestry reveals about medieval buildings on both sides of the Channel
For many, the Bayeux Tapestry conjures images of clinker-built ships, prancing horses, the Normans feasting on chicken on the eve of the Battle of Hastings, and the arrow in King Harold's eye that ended centuries of Anglo-Saxon rule.
The Bayeux Tapestry, a 11th-century embroidered cloth, provides insight into the medieval architecture of both England and Normandy. While most buildings depicted are simple dwellings or timber structures, notable examples of stone architecture include Westminster Abbey and the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. The tapestry's buildings are stylized representations of 11th-century architecture rather than accurate depictions.
The church of Edward the Confessor, for example, is shown with a nave featuring five arches, a tiled roof, a large tower, and a massive choir. This portrayal reflects the grand Norman style of architecture that was still under construction in 1066. Motte-and-bailey castles, a popular type of fortification in the 11th century, are also represented on the tapestry.
These include castles in France and England, such as Dol, Rennes, Dinan, Bayeux, and Hastings. The Hastings castle is shown in the process of construction, reflecting the rapid construction methods used during that time. The tapestry's buildings, while not architecturally accurate, offer a glimpse into the architectural types of the 11th century as understood by viewers of the time.
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