Bayewe Tapestry: the Fight to Wool England
In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we're bringing one of rural history's most iconic artworks to England for the first time in 1,000 years
About this event
…or, maybe not! Happy April Fool’s Day!
With that said, you can see the Bayeux Tapestry in Reading at our partner museum, Reading Museum. Reading is home to the world’s only full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, made by a group of passionate and extraordinarily talented seamstresses in Staffordshire in the 19th century: the Leek Embroidery Society. Their motivation was a belief that England should have a Bayeux Tapestry of its own.
The replica Bayeux Tapestry first came to Reading in 1895. It was purchased from the Leek embroiders by a local councillor and then gifted to Reading Museum, as a way of celebrating Reading’s long links to Norman England. These connections are most exemplified by Reading Abbey, an enormous monastery founded in 1121 by Henry I (William the Conqueror’s youngest son). The Abbey transformed the life of our town and put Reading on the map for pilgrims across Europe. You can explore the Abbey ruins in the heart of Reading today.
Later this year, we’ll be exploring Reading’s Bayeux Tapestry – among other links between our collections and Reading Museum – on our podcast, Absolute Units.
(Photo credit for the hero image at the top of the page: Ancient Art Podcast, Flickr)
Date & Time
Wednesday 1 April 2026