Five key scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry, and the story they tell

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Five key scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry, and the story they tellImage source, Ville de BayeuxImage caption, A conservator examines the Bayeux Tapestry in the Bayeux Museum before its removal and journey to the British MuseumByIan YoungsCulture reporterPublished4 hours agoPower struggles, betrayal and bloody battles - these are the events shown in great detail in the Bayeux Tapestry, covering one of the most momentous periods in English history. The artefact, almost 1,000 years old, is a 70m-long storyboard of embroidered pictures showing an epic account of the Norman conquest and the Battle of Hastings of 1066. It depicts a medieval game of thrones as William the Conqueror fought King Harold to rule England.

The tapestry has returned to England for the first time in more than 900 years, and will go on display at the British Museum. Here's the story in five key scenes, helped by Dr David Musgrove, co-author of The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry and content director of HistoryExtra magazine and podcast. William honours heroic HaroldImage source, Bayeux MuseumImage caption, William is shown giving arms to Harold (centre)The tapestry begins in 1064 or 65, when Harold, the most powerful earl in England and brother-in-law of king Edward the Confessor, is sent to Normandy, now in northern France.

The Details

Harold joins William, duke of Normandy, in battle in Brittany, and is portrayed in a positive light for the first half of the tapestry. "He's being given arms and armaments by Duke William, and this is really important because the subtext of the first half of the tapestry is essentially to present Harold as a heroic figure," Dr Musgrove explains. Image source, Bayeux Museum2.

Harold's anguished oathImage source, Bayeux MuseumThe most important scene in the tapestry, according to Dr Musgrove, shows Harold reaching both arms out to touch two boxes of holy relics while making an oath. He's thought to be swearing allegiance to William as Edward's successor as king of England. "He actually looks physically contorted and conflicted," Dr Musgrove says.

"At least that's my take on it. He looks as if he's kind of a bit anguished about having to make this oath. "Image source, Bayeux MuseumDr Musgrove adds: "This scene is basically where Harold goes from hero in the first part to zero in the second part.

What Experts Say

Harold claims the throneImage source, Bayeux MuseumBack in England, Edward the Confessor dies in January 1066 - and Harold claims the throne for himself. "So he's gone against this supposed oath, and this is where he becomes the villain of the piece. This is a really important moment.

"Image source, Bayeux Museum4. An omen of doomImage source, Bayeux MuseumThe appearance in the sky of Halley's Comet, which is only visible from Earth roughly every 75 years, is regarded as a bad omen following Harold's alleged betrayal. "You can see all the people staring up and pointing at it," Dr Musgrove says.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.