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Talk

Icons of Conquest: Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book

Discover the two iconic survivors of the Norman Conquest: the Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book.

Date
16 October 2026
Location
Online
About this image

Great Domesday, 1086-1087. Catalogue reference: E 31/2/1

One captures the bloody battles and struggles of the Conquest in vivid colour embroidery while the other records how William the Conqueror reshaped England in his own image.

Discover what these two icons tell us about the 11th-century world and the different ways in which they tell the story of the Norman Conquest of England, and the enduring legacy of both.

This feature-length talk will be presented by Michael Lewis, Curator of The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum and Jessica Nelson, Head of Collections Expertise and Engagement at The National Archives.

Event details

Date
16 October 2026, 14:00 to 15:30
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

16 October 2026

  • 14:00 to 15:30

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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.

  • Vimeo provide guidance on How to watch a live event.
  • You do not need a Vimeo account to join. If you do sign up for a Vimeo account, please be aware you may be asked to verify your age. You can find out more here: About age verification in the UK and EU
  • You can join from your browser from a laptop or mobile device.
  • For the best experience we recommend using either a laptop or desktop computer.

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.

  • If the live event hasn’t started at the advertised start time, please refresh your browser window and click the play button on the event again. If that doesn’t work, try closing the browser window and clicking the link in your confirmation email again.
  • You can enable live subtitles by clicking on the ‘CC’ button at the bottom of the video player. ‘CC’ stands for ‘Closed Captions’.
  • When you join the event, you may have to click on the sound icon at the bottom of the video to unmute the sound. If there is still no sound, please make sure that you have got your speakers turned up to full volume.
  • 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

  • Jessica Nelson

    Head of Collections Expertise and Engagement

  • Prof Michael Lewis

    Curator of The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum and former Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum

    Michael Lewis is a Visiting Professor in archaeology and social humanities at the universities of Exeter, Reading and Helsinki, with a particular interest in medieval small finds.