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Talk

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Explore the world of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Date
7 October 2026
Location
Online
About this image

Abbreviatio of Domesday Book, around 1241. Catalogue reference: E36/284 f2v

Have you ever wondered who the main protagonists and the bit-players are in the Norman Conquest? Join Tom Licence as he examines their role in the run-up to 1066 and their actions in that fateful year.

Is the Tapestry a Norman stitch-up, or is it sympathetic to the English? Tom will use the Bayeux Tapestry to retell the story of the Conquest, reveal who is missing, and explore the political angles that are being presented.

Event details

Date
7 October 2026, 19:30 to 20:30
Price
Free

Pay what you can

Location
Online, Live-streamed on Vimeo
Part of series
The Normans: conquest, conflict and colonisation

Dates for this event

7 October 2026

  • 19:30 to 20:30

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How to join online

What you need to join

This event will be live streamed on the website of our streaming service, Vimeo.

When you book, you will receive an email that includes the link you need to join the event. This link will also be shared with you in a reminder email in advance of the event.

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Help during the event

To access the live event, click on the link in the Eventbrite confirmation email you received when you booked the event. Vimeo will open in your web browser.

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  • If you have a query that has not been answered above, please email us at whatson@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Watch after the event

This talk will be available to watch after the event, using the same link you will receive to join it live. It will remain available for a limited period of 48 hours after the event has finished, unless otherwise stated.

Speakers

  • Tom Licence

    Professor of Medieval History at the University of East Anglia and Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge

    Tom's books include Harold, Warrior King and Edward the Confessor, Last of the Royal Blood, both in the series Yale English Monarchs.