The Bayeux Tapestry

Lecture by Dr Richard Stemp

St George’s Church and the British Museum

Coffee · Lecture · Lunch · Exhibition

8th October 2026

*Sold Out – New Date to Follow Shortly*

Following a historic agreement with France, the Bayeux Tapestry will be loaned to the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027. Please join Dr Richard Stemp as he takes us through the narratives depicted in this 70-meter-long tapestry, which chronicles the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. He will construct a picture of the effects of the Conquest as illustrated by the Tapestry, and will invite you to consider how the country changed, and what is left of this event’s legacy in modern times. Made nearly 1000 years ago, this will be the first time the Tapestry has been back to England. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see it in its country of origin.

The lecture by Dr Richard Stemp will prepare you for the exhibition so that you can make the most of your time in the gallery and gain the greatest insight into the Tapestry. Please join us for lunch afterwards at The Orangery TCR.

Please note, tickets for the exhibition will be released on 1st July and we envisage them selling out very quickly. The exact opening date has not yet been confirmed, so we have chosen a date in October that the Tapestry will likely be on display by. In the event that the exhibition opening is delayed, the lecture will go ahead as planned to prepare you for when you do go to see it.

Order of Events

10.30 Coffee at St. George’s Church

11.00 Lecture for Artemisia Members at St. George’s Church

12.30 Lunch at The Orangery TCR

14.00 Exhibition at the British Museum

COSTS

Coffee                                                                                                 Complimentary

Lecture                                                                                               £29.00 (booking fee included)

add Lunch (2 courses, wine and coffee)                              £52.00 (booking fee included)

Please note you must purchase your own tickets to the exhibition from the British Museum website. This allows you to choose the time you want to enter and to use any discounts or memberships you may have.  Tickets go on sale on 1st July and I predict they will  sell out immediately.

British Museum

If you would like further information please email me on [email protected] or call 01379 871800.