An Archaeological Study of the Bayeux Tapestry

An analysis of the famed medieval English tapestry through examination of the depicted landscapes, towns, castles, and other structures.

An Archaeological Study of the Bayeux Tapestry provides a unique re-examination of this famous piece of work through the historical geography and archaeology of the tapestry. Trevor Rowley is the first author to have analyzed the tapestry through the landscapes, buildings and structures shown, such as towns and castles, while comparing them to the landscapes, buildings, ruins and earthworks which can be seen today. By comparing illustrated extracts from the tapestry to historical and contemporary illustrations, maps and reconstructions Rowley is able to provide the reader with a unique visual setting against which they are able to place the events on the tapestry.

This approach allows Rowley to challenge a number of generally accepted assumptions regarding the location of several scenes in the tapestry, most controversially suggesting that William may never have gone to Hastings at all. Finally, Rowley tackles the missing end of the tapestry, suggesting the places and events which would have been depicted on this portion of William’s journey to Westminster.

Praise forAn Archaeological Study of the Bayeux Tapestry 

“We all know what the Bayeux Tapestry celebrates in its iconic artwork, but Trevor Rowley goes one step further and looks at the buildings and characters with a view actually identifying them! Absolutely fascinating, brings a whole new dimension to the study of this amazing artefact.” —Books Monthly

“Rowley’s arguments are copiously illustrated with details from the tapestry, photographs and plans. It results in very densely packed chapters well worth reading, and you certainly will never look at that tea towel in the same way again.” —Hexham Local History Society