October 14th marks the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, arguably one of the most significant days in English history. The resultant Norman Conquest ended nearly 500 years of Anglo-Saxon rule, shifting England’s political, cultural and linguistic ties away from Scandinavia and towards continental Europe. With the Bayeux Tapestry on display at the British Museum from 10th September, three of Winchelsea’s societies, plus Andrew Scott and St Thomas Primary School are organising a unique programme of talks, debates, walks and exhibitions celebrating the people, places and events of 1066.
Join us on Saturday 31st October 2026, at the New Hall, Rectory Lane, Winchelsea TN36 4AA for a Talk titled, “A Tale Told: A Bard’s View of the Bayeux Tapestry”.
Kathleen Tyson MA (Medieval History) published historian and translator of the ‘Carmen Widonis’ presents a fascinating new interpretation of the Bayeux Tapestry, suggesting it may originally have been intended to accompany the performance of a travelling bard.
Book: www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/a-tale-told-a-bards-view-of-the-bayeux-tapestry