Explore the world of the Bayeux Tapestry
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Unravelling the Bayeux Tapestry 
A section of the Bayeux Tapestry showing Harold’s coronation as King of England, with him seated on a throne and surrounded by attendants.

Dear Andrew,

This week, we're stepping back in time to explore the medieval period, as the Bayeux Tapestry has now arrived in Britain for the first time in almost 1,000 years. Discover how people lived, wrote and ruled during the time of the Norman conquest. 

Read on to…

🕯️ Learn how to create your own wax seal
⚜️ Make your own Medieval illuminated letter
🏰 Listen to an exclusive audiobook preview of our book club choice

We're so excited to bring back Young Readers Book Club! Our next pick is The Bayeux Tapestry: The Graphic Novel. With permission from their grown-ups, Young Friends can apply to take part – successful applicants will receive a copy of the book, and their review will be published in Remus Magazine. See below for more details and the application form. 

For older Young Friends, join Museum Trustee Claudia Winkleman as she explores the story behind the Bayeux Tapestry.

If you're planning a visit to the Museum this summer, don't miss Curious coin club on 27 July for children aged 5 and under, or Summer Storytelling: firedrakes, folktales and falling stars, a magical family storytelling event inspired by myths and legends. 

And finally, tickets for visiting The Bayeux Tapestry between 10 September and 31 December have sold out. If you've missed out, don't worry, there will be further ticket releases, there are thousands of tickets left, and we will share all relevant updates with you.

The Young Friends and Schools and Family Programmes Teams

Young Readers Book Club
Cover artwork of The Bayeux Tapestry: the graphic novel

Want to join our book club? Our next selection is The Bayeux Tapestry: The Graphic Novel (suitable for ages 7–9), a new book published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the British Museum. With permission from their grown-ups, Young Friends can apply to take part in the club. If successfully chosen, they’ll receive a copy of the book and their review will then be published in the Young Friends’ Remus magazine.

This exciting graphic novel brings one of history’s most famous stories to life, retelling the events of 1066 and the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry through engaging illustrations and accessible storytelling. It’s a brilliant way for young readers to discover the past while enjoying a captivating adventure.

The buttons below include more information about the book and the application form. The deadline to register your interest is 3 August and successful applicants will be contacted shortly after that date. To give everyone a fair chance, selection will be random.
Find out more
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Apply now
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Cover artwork of Medieval Castle book.
Listen now
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Sneak peek at audiobook!

Embark on an immersive, historical adventure with Chae Strathie and his time-travelling helmet in the audiobook edition of So You Think You’ve Got It Bad: A Kid’s Life in a Medieval Castle. Published to accompany the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, here you can listen to an exclusive preview of what life was like growing up in a medieval castle and get a sneak peek at a bonus song written about the Tapestry!

Activities to try at home 
Illuminated letter D showing knights on horseback, painted in gold, red and blue.

Create your own Illuminated letter

Illuminated letters were decorated letters found in medieval manuscripts, often filled with colourful patterns and symbols. Have a go at drawing and designing your own.
Make now
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Red wax seal showing scissors, three stars and a crescent moon, with words carved around the edge.

Create your own wax seal

A wax seal was used in the medieval period to secure letters and show who they came from. Kings and queens used special designs to represent themselves. Have a go at creating your own.
Make now
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Join us at the Museum!
A child and adult playing with clay in the Great Court.

Curious coin club

Join artist and educator Phillipa Ellis in a special workshop designed for children aged five and under and their adults. 

Little explorers can dig for hidden treasure, create their very own clay coins and uncover the magic of coin rubbing. In this hands-on adventure, we'll use play, imagination and creativity to explore the collection.

Free and no booking required. Suitable for ages 5 and under.

Monday 27 July 
10.30–11.15
11.30–12.15
13.15–14.00
Find out more
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Painting of a raven addressing real and fantastic animals

Firedrakes, folktales and falling stars

Join storyteller extraordinaire Olivia Armstrong for this free summertime series of tales inspired by strange creatures, fantastic fables and the night sky.

Free and suitable for families with children from six upwards, there will be a different enchanting story on each day, with 30-minute performances at 11.00, 12.00 and 13.30.

Wednesday 5 August
Wednesday 12 August
Wednesday 26 August
Find out more
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Silver coin of Cnut the Great, Silver coin of William the Conqueror, Gold coin of Henry VII

Find the connection in the collection

What links these three coins bearing the images of Cnut the Great, William the Conqueror and Henry VII? Hint: it has nothing to do with the coins themselves, but how each king came to power.

Read on below to find out.

Older Young Friends 

Ages 14+
Scene from the Bayeux Tapestry with play button overlaid.

What's the story in the Bayeux Tapestry?

Discover the story behind one of the world's most famous medieval treasures. Narrated by Claudia Winkleman, this short animation explores the Bayeux Tapestry, the rival claimants to the English throne, and the dramatic events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Watch now
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Connection in the collection answers

All three coins depict kings who won the English crown on the battlefield.

⚔️ Cnut the Great (King of England, 1016–35) secured the English throne after defeating King Edmund Ironside at the Battle of Assandun in 1016. Following Edmund’s death later that year, Cnut became ruler of all England. He later became King of Denmark and Norway!

⚔️ William the Conqueror (King of England, 1066–87) won the English crown after defeating King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings in 14 October 1066. His victory and the events of the Norman Conquest are famously depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.

⚔️ Henry VII (King of England, 1485–1509) ended the Wars of the Roses when he defeated King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field on 22 August 1485. Crowned shortly afterwards, he became the very first Tudor monarch. 

Connect with us

Images:

Bayeux Tapestry, England, about AD 1072–77. Photo © La Fabrique de patrimoines en Normandie / Antoine Cazin. 

The Bayeux Tapestry: The Graphic Novel. Photo © Nosy Crow.

So You Think You've Got It Bad? A Kid's Life in a Medieval Castle. Photo © Nosy Crow.

Chromolithograph facsimile of an illuminated initial letter D, Britain, about 1845–1860. 
 
Bronze seal-matrix of Patrice Lecot, maker of vestments, France, 14th century.

A child and adult playing with clay in the Great Court as part of a five-and-under workshop.

Ink and watercolour painting of a raven addressing real and fantastic animals, after Miskin (born about 1560). India, Mughal dynasty, about 1590–1620.

Silver coin of Cnut the Great, King of England, Denmark and Norway, minted in Thetford, 1016–1035.

Silver penny of William I, King of England (William the Conqueror), England, minted in Ipswich, about 1066–1087.

Gold sovereign of Henry VII, King of England, minted in London, 1504–1509.

Graphics created by Hocus Pocus for schools. Photo © La Fabrique de patrimoines en Normandie / Antoine Cazin.

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