There will be a profusely illustrated talk by Lt Col James Porter on ‘The Bayeux Tapestry and the Battle of Hastings’ in Hazelbury Bryan Village Hall starting at 7.30 pm on Friday 30th October. Doors open 6.45 pm. CASH Bar. Entrance £5 CASH (Adult), FREE (Under 18). Tickets at the door.

This is your opportunity to see on the big screen every scene contained within the Tapestry and have explained the meaning of the scenes and identities (where known) of the people depicted within the scenes. The talk will begin by describing the history of England and Normandy leading up to the reign of King Edward The Confessor, and then takes you – using the scenes from the Tapestry – through the intrigues leading up to the invasion of England. The detail contained in the Tapestry of the building of the Norman fleet, the assembling of stores and the embarkation of horses is remarkable. The story proceeds with Duke William’s landing near Pevensey, his move to Hastings and the ravaging of the surrounding English countryside. The talk describes how King Harold of England, in the meantime, has marched at speed to York to defeat a Viking army before finding that he has to march back down south to face Duke William. The talk then covers the battle near Hastings and speculates on what the missing few metres of Tapestry might contain. Several of the characters mentioned and/or depicted are still a mystery, and various theories are discussed.

If you are unable to view the Tapestry in London before it returns to Normandy, or if you want to get a firm grasp of its messages and its place in history before you view it….this talk is for you!

Proceeds to Poppy Appeal.