Duke William Ship

This detailed tapestry “Duke William Ship” shows Duke William of Normandy departing for the Battle of Hastings of 1066. He was victorious over King Harold of Saxon, England in the battle on Senlac Hill, north west of Hastings. The victory gave William control of England and he was the first Norman ruler of England, King William I. Here in this tapestry we see William and his crew sailing after waiting weeks due to the the winter storms, for suitable weather int he summer to sail, where he eventaully landed at Pevensey. It was thought that the original Bayeaux tapestry was commissioned by William’s half brother Bishop Odo, who fought alongside William in the Battle. The beayeaux tapestry also decorated Bayeux cathedral, built by Bishop Odo. This tapestry “Duke William Ship” is backed with a lining and has a tunnel for easy hanging.