WAAHS, Conservation Society and FOAM present a series of events to mark the 960th anniversary of the Norman Conquest
The Festival’s aim is to mark the Exhibition in the British Museum of the Bayeux Tapestry from September 2026 to July 2027. The Talks have been planned around aspects of the Tapestry and we are delighted to welcome some of the foremost experts in the country to explain them to us.
PROGRAMME OF TALKS AND DEBATES
Winchelsea Conservation Society (WCS) and Winchelsea and Area Archaeological and Historical Society (WAAHS) are jointly organising the Debate and three Talks. Friends of the Ancient Monuments (FOAM) is organising the Great Debate .
The Site of the Norman Landing and the Subsequent Battle Two eminent local historical researchers, Stephen Gray MSc and Jonathan Starkey MA, who have both published numerous historical articles, will debate the differing claims. Where did William actually land, and where was the battle actually fought? Saturday 10th October at The New Hall at 2 for 2.30pm
What Was the English Landscape Like When the Normans Invaded? Dr Michael Bintley (University of Southampton) explores England’s landscape in 1066 using archaeology, literature and the Bayeux Tapestry. Saturday 24th October at the New Hall at 10.30 for 11am
The Great Debate What if Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada and William of Normandy could each make their case to become King of England? Presented by FOAM in the style of a modern televised election debate, complete with audience questions, Norman refreshments and a vote to decide the winner. Saturday 24th October at 2.30pm and 6.30pm in the Lower Court Hall
A Tale Told: A Bard’s View of the Bayeux Tapestry Kathleen Tyson presents a fascinating new interpretation of the Bayeux Tapestry, suggesting it may originally have been intended to accompany the performance of a travelling bard. Saturday 31st October at the New Hall at 10.30 for 11am
The Bayeux Tapestry Through the Ages: Embroidering, Restoration and Conservation Dr Alexandra Makin, a member of the Scientific Committee for Research for the Bayeux Tapestry, explores how the tapestry was created, preserved and studied today. Saturday 31st October at the New Hall at 2 for 2.30pm
ADDITIONAL FREE ACTIVITIES
Displays in the Lower Court Hall – Saturdays 10th, 17th October – 10.30 to 16.30. Introduction to and interpretation of the Tapestry. Aspects from twelve of the fifty-eight scenes will be explored.
Walk – Saturday 17th October – 6th Section of the 1066 Country Walk from Icklesham to Rye via Winchelsea and Iham. Walkers may take the 9.45 bus from Winchelsea to icklesham – the start of the walk. Follow the 1066 Walk signs or the OS map. An online 44-page booklet will be provided to explain the historical significance of eighteen viewpoints along the way and any relevance to the Bayeux Tapestry. There will also be an additional display in the Lower Court Hall, explaining the history and significance of some of the viewpoints for an understanding of the Tapestry.
The 1066 Walk goes past the Court Hall, so why not take a break in the walk and visit the Lower Court Hall displays? Light refreshments will be available.
The Online Festival – The following four pdf files will be freely available to download from here at the start of the Festival. These files are for those unable to attend the walk or displays, or to be used during the walk; they are solely for study purposes:
- Part 1 of the Display – Introduction to the Bayeux Tapestry.
- Part 2 of the Display – Commentary on twelve selected Scenes from the Tapestry
- Part 3 of the Display – Relevance of the 1066 CountryWalk Section 6 (Icklesham to Rye) to an understanding of the Tapestry.
- The 44-page Booklet prepared for walkers to explain the history at eighteen viewpoints along the Walk and any relevance to the Tapestry.
