A tapestry of history unveiled

The next History Society talk is on ‘Viceroys of India’ by Christopher Lee at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 17 February in the Main Hall, Battle Memorial Hall. All welcome; non-members £4 on the door.

Battle Museum of Local History has now taken delivery of a replica of the Alderney Tapestry (see picture). This will be on show in the Museum until September when the original tapestry arrives for a two month exhibition. The Alderney Tapestry was made by the islanders to provide a version of the ‘missing panel’ of the Bayeux Tapestry.

This month in 1066

After Harold’s coronation in January, one of William’s first actions was to appeal to the Pope Alexander II – papal support would considerably strengthen his case and encourage men to fight for him in the hope of a reduction of years in purgatory as well as gaining land in this life. The letter does not survive but his main arguments were sure to be Edward’s promise and Harold’s perjury justified him invading England and he probably also argued that the English Church was not as rigorously run as it should be under Archbishop Stigand. Whatever argument he used, the Pope was clearly convinced and quickly agreed that an invasion was justified – indeed, he sent William’s emissaries back with a banner for the Duke to carry into battle. However, William also needed worldly support. About the same time, he summoned a meeting of Normandy’s leading men among them his half-brothers Odo and Robert and his friends William FitzOsbern and Robert Montgomery. They gave him their support but advised that he should seek wider support before committing to such a great enterprise.

As for Harold, he travelled to York soon after his coronation. The reason for the trip is not certain; English kings did not often go that far north. It could have been to have a public celebration of his marriage to Ealdgyth, sister to the Earls of Northumbria and Mercia or he may have had to quell a rebellion, as some chroniclers suggest there was initial opposition to his rule.

Did you know?

The Market Square originally stood where the turn-off to Mount Street now is, together with the Abbey’s administrative buildings including the Court House.

Date for the Diary

The Grand Opening of the Crafty Norman (aka the Old Post Office) is at 10.00 am on Saturday 13 February. The new name of the shop is of course a humorous reference to Duke William!