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France’s epic Bayeux Tapestry is headed to Britain, in a loan for the ages

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January 18, 2018 at 1:55 p.m. EST
The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century treasure that tells the story of how William the Conqueror came to invade England in 1066, is displayed at France’s Bayeux Museum in this undated photo. (Handout/Reuters)

LONDON — It is probably the most famous piece of medieval embroidery in the world, a ribbon of scrolling tapestry 70 yards long that tells in pictures the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, an epic tale of gore, glory and God.

There is nothing quite like the Bayeux Tapestry, a near-cinematic work of narrative genius. French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement Thursday evening that his government will allow the priceless treasure to leave France for the first time in almost 1,000 years to be exhibited in Britain is a sensational stroke of cultural diplomacy.