Blog

May 03, 2023

10 Little Details in the Bayeux Tapestry You May Have Missed

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most interesting pieces of art from the Middle

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most interesting pieces of art from the Middle Ages. Created to show the events of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the tapestry has many well-known images. However, the designer of the Bayeux Tapestry also included little details that the casual viewer might miss. Here are ten images to take a second look at.

Guy, Count of Ponthieu, was one of William the Conqueror's enemies. He is often depicted in the tapestry in an unfavourable light, such as when he is riding this horse – the animal is noticeably scrawnier than the other horses and even has donkey ears!

These two unlucky servants have been harnessed up like oxen to pull a cart carrying wine, lances and helmets.

William's men are riding so quickly that their hair is blowing in the wind.

The small man holding horses in this scene isn't a child or just a mistake of proportion by the designer of the tapestry – it is likely this man had dwarfism, as commentators have pointed out that his head is unusually large for his body. His distinctive clothing also suggests that he may have been a jongleur or jester.

When one man blasts his horn to call William and Norman leaders to the feast before the Battle of Hastings, the servant next to him seems to be displeased at the noise.

On the bottom margin there is a scene where a bear has been tied to a tree, while a man seems ready to attack it. Bear-bating – chaining up a bear so it could be attacked – was an unfortunate practice in England up to the 19th century.

When Harold and his men are boarding a ship to cross the English Channel, they are careful to take off their hose and tuck their tunics into their belts as they wade into the water.

Some of the horses the Normans took with them to invade England seem to be enjoying the voyage.

In preparing the feast for William before the Battle of Hastings, the servants need to use shields as food trays.

Beneath the scene where King Edward the Confessor is about to be buried one can see the image of a lone dog howling – perhaps crying out for his master?

Learn More about the Bayeux Tapestry:

The Garments of Guy in the Bayeux Tapestry

Designer of the Bayeux Tapestry identified

New research on how the Bayeux Tapestry was made

and more on the Bayeux Tapestry