Ahead of the Bayeux Tapestry’s forthcoming exhibition at the British Museum, The Sherborne hosts a timely evening exploring one of the most famous historical works in the world.
Join historian David Musgrove, editor of the HistoryExtra podcast and co-author of The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry, alongside novelist Kylie Fitzpatrick, author of the internationally acclaimed novel Tapestry, for a conversation about conquest, propaganda, storytelling and contested truth.
For the first time in almost 1,000 years, the complete tapestry will come to Britain in September, travelling from its permanent home in Normandy. Often described as a vivid record of the Norman Conquest, the tapestry is also a carefully crafted version of events: one that helped legitimise William the Conqueror’s claim to the English throne.
Musgrove will explore how this extraordinary embroidery tells the story of Harold, the last Saxon king, crossing the sea and swearing allegiance to William over holy relics, before the drama unfolds towards invasion, battle and the fall of Saxon England.
Fitzpatrick will offer a complementary perspective through Tapestry, her novel set between eleventh-century England and Normandy and the present day. Following Leofgyth, an embroiderer in the royal court, and Madeleine, a modern medieval historian, the novel opens up the human stories, hidden labour and imaginative possibilities behind the tapestry’s creation.
Together, David and Kylie will consider why this almost cartoon-like masterpiece still matters today. More than a record of invasion and conquest, it reveals the deep cultural connections between Britain and France, and speaks to themes that continue to resonate: rivalry, influence, migration, power and the stories nations tell about themselves.
Make an evening of it at The Sherborne: explore the House and galleries before the talk or join us for a drink in the bar.
Tuesday 7 July | 6pm
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: £8
Please read our Booking Terms before completing your purchase. Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before the event start time. We are unable to offer refunds within 48 hours of the event or for non-attendance.
What to expect
Join us at The Sherborne for talks, performances, workshops and special events in the remarkable setting of Sherborne House. Please arrive in good time, especially for popular events, as seating is usually unallocated and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Where possible, our team will be on hand to welcome you, direct you to the event space and answer any questions.
Need to know
Refunds: Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before the event. We are unable to refund cancellations made within 48 hours of the event start time.
Seating: Seating is not allocated unless clearly stated. Please arrive early if you would like a particular seat.
Access: The Sherborne has disabled access. Please let us know about any access requirements when booking, or contact us before your visit.
Arrival: Late admission may not always be possible, depending on the event.
Dietary requirements: For events involving food or drink, please tell us about any dietary requirements when booking.