London (AFP) – London's sold-out Bayeux Tapestry exhibition will open Thursday to a British public gripped by "mania" as the medieval artwork depicting the Norman conquest of England goes on display outside France for the first time.
Issued on: 10/09/2026 - 04:06
4 min Reading time
The British Museum will open its doors after months of growing anticipation, heightened by the tapestry's high-security July arrival in London and last week's royal preview for the king and queen alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.The unprecedented loan from France, the result of years of diplomacy and set to last until next July, has been hailed a symbol of renewed cross-Channel ties following the rancour of Brexit.
Previous plans to loan the tapestry - this panel shows depicts King Harold's death - were aborted in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and in 1966 for the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings © Adrian DENNIS / AFP
