Professor Michael Lewis, Head of Portable Antiquities & Treasure, British Museum, will be giving a free Zoom lecture on “What is missing from the Bayeux Tapestry ?” for BACAS in partnership with two other societies, Bristol and Avon (BAAS) and Bristol and Gloucestershire (BGAS), and Bristol Museum. The talk will start at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 April 2021. Tickets are FREE.
Please book your place by following this link : https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on/archaeology-online-what-is-missing-from-the-bayeux-tapestry/
What is missing from the Bayeux Tapestry ?
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most famous documents of British history and a masterpiece of medieval art. It depicts the events leading to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
This story and the imagery is well known to many. Cartoon-like, animated and extensive, it allows us to get to know the key characters – King Edward, Earl Harold and Duke William, as well as William’s half-brother, Odo Bishop of Bayeux (the likely patron of the embroidery).
It follows the complex nature of the English session crisis resulting from Edward’s childless marriage to Harold’s sister, albeit from a specific (some suggest Norman) perspective.
In this talk, Professor Michael Lewis will unravel the story told in the Bayeux Tapestry, but also examine what is not shown. As it stands, the Tapestry presents a binary conflict between Harold and William for the English throne, putting to one side other events and happenings. It will be argued that this is purposeful, advantageous to both men, and designed to create a narrative that helps the English accept William as their king.
Speaker : Michael Lewis, Head of Portable Antiquities & Treasure at the British Museum and Visiting Professor in Archaeology at the University of Reading.
Michael has written a new book on the Bayeux Tapestry with Dave Musgrove (BBC History Magazine). This is accompanied by a free BBC History Extra podcast.
Archaeology Online
This talk is part of Archaeology Online, a new series of monthly digital talks brought to you by BACAS, Bristol Museums, Bristol and Avon Archaeological Society and Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society. Places are limited to 300, but members of BACAS and the other societies get a few days to register before the general public, so book soon to avoid disappointment.