Tapestry mural unveiled at Battle to mark 1066 milestone

Launch of the Bayeux Tapestry Mural at Battle Station.
L-R David Statham, MD Southeastern Railway; Bob Wait, Battel Bonfire Boyes, and mayor of Battle Margaret Kiloh. SUS-160704-121637001 — Launch of the Bayeux Tapestry Mural at Battle Station. L-R David Statham, MD Southeastern Railway; Bob Wait, Battel Bonfire Boyes, and mayor of Battle Margaret Kiloh. SUS-160704-121637001

Last Thursday (April 7), an 18-metre long Bayeux Tapestry full-colour laminate mural was officially opened by Battle mayor Cllr Margaret Kiloh and David Statham, managing director of Southeastern, in front of 40 members of the community.

David Statham had made a special journey to Battle for the occasion, escorted on the train by Battle’s own Saxon warrior, in full regalia, who helped to set the scene for this very special event.

The mural, which was almost two years in the making, is composed of 6 x 3 metre colour laminate panels, with captions, giving a snapshot of how the most famous battle in English history evolved between Harold, King of England and William, Duke of Normandy on October 14, 1066.

Launch of the Bayeux Tapestry Mural at Battle Station. SUS-160704-121713001

The images had been sourced from the Charles Stothard prints which are in the care of the Battle Museum of Local History.

Following the ribbon-cutting, David Statham spoke about Battle’s proud history and the importance of its relationship with the railway.

Robert Emeleus, chairman of the museum, spoke on behalf of Battle’s involvement with the project and the important legacy it would give to residents and visitors.

Yolanda Laybourne, who co-ordinated the project, thanked Battle Museum and all those who had contributed, and presented commemorative scrolls to some of the key players.

Launch of the Bayeux Tapestry Mural at Battle Station.
L-R David Statham, MD Southeastern Railway, and mayor of Battle Margaret Kiloh. SUS-160704-121650001 — Launch of the Bayeux Tapestry Mural at Battle Station. L-R David Statham, MD Southeastern Railway, and mayor of Battle Margaret Kiloh. SUS-160704-121650001

Guests were then invited to view the new community tapestry, inspired and designed by Battle artist Tina Greene for the 950th Anniversary year, and to contribute their own stitch.

Robert Emeleus added: “As well as providing a special welcome for visitors to Battle, this extraordinary mural also heralds the start of a season of special events in Battle to commemorate the 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.” *For more pictures, see pages 48 and 49.