Bayeux

This is the magnificent Bayeux Cathedral - an astonishing sight as you enter the town. It was consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy and, by then, King of England. 

It is thought that the Bayeaux Tapestry was created to hang in the Cathedral and it was indeed hanging there at the time of the consecration. However, no one knows the truth of this; who ordered it, who designed it, who sewed it, where it was made, are all mysteries as yet unsolved, despite much speculation. 

It was wonderful to actually see the Tapestry at last. I loved it and spent a lot off time just looking closely, particularly at the stitching. An amazing piece of work - we are so lucky that it has survived so that we can see it. 

The extra is a photo of one section - it shows William's ships being built and illustrates the incredible detail that is obvious throughout the whole of this huge work. (This photo was taken discretely, as photography is forbidden. But I did not use flash and that seems to be the only reason for not allowing photos. And I did buy a few things in the shop, so have helped towards its upkeep.)