July 11, 2026
The Bayeux Tapestry has arrived in Britain for the first time in nearly 1,000 years ahead of a sell-out exhibition at the British Museum, travelling under police escort during a meticulously choreographed journey from France.
The 70-metre (230-foot) embroidery, which depicts the 1066 Norman conquest of England, was transported in an air-conditioned, anti-vibration crate under French police escort to the Eurotunnel before crossing the Channel. It was then handed over to British authorities for the final leg of its journey to London.
The transfer was made possible by what the French government described as "unprecedented logistical and security means", developed over more than a year by the two governments.
The medieval masterpiece, believed to have been made by English embroiderers, has already generated nearly £2.5 million ($3.3 million) in ticket sales, making it the museum's best-selling exhibition.
