Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered work depicting the events leading up to and including the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Despite its name, it is not a true tapestry because the design is embroidered, rather than woven. Besides being an outstanding example of medieval art, the work has made a significant contribution to knowledge of medieval costumes, military equipment, and tactics.
The “tapestry" is 20 inches (51 cm) wide and 230 feet (70 m) long. There are 72 scenes with identifying Latin inscriptions and various border designs. They are embroidered on coarse linen in worsted wools of eight colors. The embroidery was long attributed to Queen Matilda, William's wife, but there is no evidence to support this contention. Most historians believe the tapestry was made by an artist commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux. For hundreds of years the work was kept in the cathedral of Bayeux, France. It is now housed in Bayeux's museum.