Bayeux and Normandy

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Bayeux and Normandy
If you are interested in history and want a glimpse of an 11th century masterpiece, you must visit the city of Bayeux and the Normandy. The Bayeux tapestry, also known as Queen Matilda’s Tapestry, is a work of art that was out of the public view for many years. It has been stolen and found. Even with war in the area, near the beaches of Normandy, the great tapestry was saved from destruction.   At the height of the 11th century, England’s King Edward had no son to be heir to the throne. The main contenders were Harold and William Duke of Normandy. The two fought and Harold was captured. To save his life, he promised William that on Edward’s death, he would allow William to ascend the throne. But William eventually had to fight for what he felt was his right.  The great battle that followed lasted 14 hours and ended with Harold’s death. This allowed William to become king of England.   Now, almost 950 years after the famous Battle of Hastings, one can see the great tapestry that describes the battle. The tapestry, made of wool embroidered into linen, took the English nuns who made it from 1070 to 1080. It is beautifully preserved and easy to see, as it stretches out before you almost 970 meters (230 feet) long. It tells the story of William, Duke of Normandy who set out to conquer England. It is told in 58 sections. Today, in the  Centre Guillaume le Conquerant you can visit this UNESCO treasure and with the aid of an audio guide in 14 different languages, and a 16 minute film, you can learn about William, the events of his battles and his eventual coronation as King of England in December 1066. The film uses special effects and enables the viewer to understand how the Tapestry can suggest the intensity of the Battle of Hastings. The setting makes it easy to view but it is a popular site and some say, rather touristy. Yet, I recommend it for history buffs or parents of school age children. For teachers, I recommend that they get in touch with the museum to receive pre trip preparation ideas. They can be reached at 33 0 23151 25 55.   There is a library for researchers in the building with notes on the history and the tapestry. For people with passing interest there is a well stocked boutique which carries embroidery kits, medieval toys and souvenirs. They also have a web site at: www.tapisserie –bayeux.fr- After you’ve seen the museum, I recommend a visit to the Cathedral Notre Dame which dates from July 14, 1077; in the presence of the King. The Romanesque style structure held the tapestry which hung in the nave. Later the additions to the building gave it a gothic look. Gothic is often referred to as Norman. Here, the cathedral is lit from the outside at night for a wonderful view Bayeux itself is a charming town and worth a longer visit. There are many hotels to choose from and many excellent restaurants. The old town has streets lined with timber framed houses, stone streets and a charming water wheel on the river that runs to the sea. Many shops specialize in porcelain and exquisite lace. Nearby, are the famous Normandy beaches where the allies landed in 1944. I suggest a drive along the coast to see the artificial harbors or ‘mulberries’ which allowed the allies to land. In some areas there are steep cliffs that had to be climbed while. at others, there are still army machines to remind those who could possibly forget the events that led to the allies successful landing and the beginning of the end for the powerfully entrenched German army. In Arromanches, there is an Invasion Museum with models and photographs relating to D-Day. At the nearby cinema one can see the 360 degree footage of the landings.   Travel at your leisure and try to understand the gigantic task the Allies had so long ago. The whole area is steeped in history and highly recommended. And on the way back to Paris, visit Caen. It’s larger but worth a stop in memory of these who fell for the cause of French and world freedom. The whole area tells a story and even now, so long after the events, it still holds a fascination for all. That’s why there are so many visitors. Add your name to the list.
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