Historic Manuscripts to Join Bayeux Tapestry in New Exhibition

The British Museum has released the first details of what it describes as "its exhibition of the century" when the Bayeux Tapestry will open to the public in London on September 10 through July 11, 2027.

As well as experiencing the tapestry as it has never been seen before when it is displayed flat for the first time and in one continuous length in a specially made show case, the show will be supported by objects from the museum's own collection, alongside significant loans to put the tapestry into the broader context of medieval England.

In exploring the background to the Bayeux Tapestry, loans will include:

• a charter of Edward the Confessor of 1060 granting lands in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, to Westminster Abbey, written in Latin and Old English, and witnessed by several individuals who appear in the tapestry, including King Edward 'the Confessor', Harold's sister Queen Edith, Archbishop Stigand, Earl Harold and his brother Gyrth (both shown in the Tapestry being killed at the Battle of Hastings)
• an extensively illustrated manuscript known as Junius II on loan from the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford recording biblical events and likely borrowed by the tapestry's creators for their depictions of clothing, ships and items of everyday life
• a charter issued by William I in 1067 soon after he became king to the citizens of London written in Old English, the language of the newly conquered English, and promising the English that the new king will uphold the laws and customs of King Edward

Tickets for the exhibition will go on sale from July 1 and will be released in phases.