Charles III and Macron view the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum
King Charles III of the United Kingdom and French President Emmanuel Macron viewed an exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum in London. Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron also visited the exhibition with them, Cyprus Mail reports.
The tapestry has been brought to England for the first time
The nearly millennium-old, 70-metre embroidered tapestry, which tells the story of William I's conquest of England in 1066, was loaned to the British Museum under an agreement with the French government. It had previously been kept in northern France. According to the publication, this is the first time the artefact has been brought to English soil since its creation.
Charles III and Macron walked along the tapestry and examined the scenes depicted on it, including Harold Godwinson's coronation and his death from an arrow during the battle. Historians believe that the tapestry was probably commissioned by Bishop Odo, William I's brother, and embroidered by English craftswomen in Kent.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Exchange of museum treasures
In exchange, the United Kingdom agreed to provide French museums with the Sutton Hoo treasures, a collection of gold and other historical objects from the 7th century. France is also to receive a selection of Lewis chess pieces and other works belonging to the British Museum's trustees.
The loan agreement was confirmed in July during Macron's state visit to the United Kingdom. The French president called the exchange of historical treasures an important gesture for mutual understanding, while Charles III said that the tapestry and the items to be sent in return should symbolise the shared past and future of the two countries.
The exhibition will open on 10 September
The tapestry was delivered to Britain in July in a temperature-controlled, vibration-protected container under police escort. The exhibition will open to visitors on 10 September and run until July next year. The first batch of tickets, priced at up to £33, has already sold out; their sale generated nearly £2.5 million.
