The medieval Bayeux Tapestry arrived in London early Friday morning, returning to British soil after nearly 1,000 years. The nearly 70-metre-long masterpiece, which arrived at the British Museum around 3am, was transferred from France in a highly secretive operation due to security concerns.
The tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England and William the Conqueror's 1066 invasion. The loan of the artwork is viewed as symbolic of French-British relations as London works to mend ties post-Brexit.
British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan described the arrival as a unique moment and the product of significant hard work. The tapestry will be on loan from France for a year and will be on display for visitors from September 10, 2026, until July 11, 2027.