From Seattletimes · · 1m 20s
Bayeux Tapestry Reenactment Draws Crowds
History buffs reenact 1066 battle near Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
In brief
History buffs reenact 1066 battle near Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. History enthusiasts reenact the Battle of Hastings at Battle, England, drawing 13,000 spectators this fall as the Bayeux Tapestry returns to Britain for the first time in nearly 1,000 years. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Harold Godwinson's speech
Harold Godwinson addresses troops before battle, urging them to believe in his leadership and drive Normans back into the sea.
“People of England, I ask for you to believe in me, believe in our England!”
Reenactment crowds surge
13,000 spectators attend Battle, England's 1066 reenactment, a record for the Bayeux Tapestry's return exhibition.
“Some 13,000 spectators watched across two days.”
Tapestry exhibition boost
The Bayeux Tapestry's return to Britain after 1,000 years spurs increased interest in Norman history and Anglo-Saxon culture.
“A spokesperson for English Heritage, the nonprofit that maintains the 1066 battlefield, said that visitor numbers this fall had boomed at some of its Norman sites.”
Reenactment activities
Reenactors cook medieval meals, teach weapon handling, and sew scenes similar to the Bayeux Tapestry.
“Inside canvas tents, the reenactors cooked medieval meals, showed children how to wield weapons (all blunted) and sewed scenes similar in style to those in the Bayeux Tapestry.”
Reenactors' perspectives
Reenactors hope to educate visitors about the battle's historical figures and their roles in the conflict.
“It takes a selfless character to put yourself in danger for others like that.”
Battle reenactment
Reenactors simulate the Battle of Hastings with Norman forces attacking Anglo-Saxon troops on a sloping field.
“The Norman victory came, suddenly, about 45 minutes in when some of its soldiers pretended to flee in panic.”
Godwinson's death
Harold Godwinson dies from an arrow wound during the reenactment, ending the Norman victory.
“Godwinson sensed the mistake and ran after them, only for a Norman archer to fire an arrow straight into his eye.”
Crowd reaction
Spectators boo Godwinson's death, celebrating the Norman victory with comical chants.
“With Godwinson's death, it was a victory for the Norman side, as it is every year, and the crowd loudly, and comically, booed the result.”
Reenactment benefits
Reenactments offer hands-on history lessons, unlike museum exhibitions where visitors cannot drink mead.
“You can’t drink at the British Museum, Summers said, clutching an almost empty bottle of mead.”
The one thing
History enthusiasts reenact the Battle of Hastings at Battle, England, drawing 13,000 spectators this fall as the Bayeux Tapestry returns to Britain for the first time in nearly 1,000 years.
