Archaeologists find 'lost' site depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry

Newcastle University ^ | January 28, 2025 | Gould et al, Antiquaries Journal

[SunkenCiv]

By reinterpreting previous excavations and conducting new surveys, the team from Newcastle University, UK, together with colleagues from the University of Exeter, believe they have located a power centre belonging to Harold Godwinson, who was killed in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Bosham, on the coast of West Sussex, is depicted twice in the Bayeux Tapestry, which famously narrates the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 when William, Duke of Normandy, challenged Harold for the throne. The Tapestry culminates in Williams's victory at Hastings, but earlier in the artwork Bosham is shown as the place where Harold enjoys a feast in an extravagant hall before setting sail for France, and again on his return...

The team of archaeologists used a range of methods to unpick the early history of the property, including a geophysical survey of the surrounding area, assessment of standing remains, scrutiny of maps and records, and re-examination of evidence from excavations carried out in 2006 by West Sussex Archaeology...

In the past decade or so archaeologists have begun to recognise a trend in England, beginning during the 10th century AD, for high-status houses to integrate toilets. The discovery of the latrine therefore indicated to the team that the timber building was of elite status, and almost certainly represents part of Harold's residence illustrated on the Bayeux Tapestry. The hall was one part of a more extensive complex, that also included a church, which still survives.

[SunkenCiv]

The Bayeux Tapestry, showing King Harold riding to Bosham, where he attends church and feasts in a hall.

© The Society of Antiquaries of London

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Red Badger.

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[Monkey Face]

I’ve seen a documentary on the tapestry, and it’s a very beautiful piece. I can’t imagine how many women it took to make the thing, nor how many hours they put in, but it is a stunning piece of history.

Thanks for posting this!

‘Face

[SunkenCiv]

History, written by the winner. :^) A LOT of work, a lot of hands. And it’s remarkable that something that old and that large has survived.

[BenLurkin]

Very cool

[11th_VA]

Time Team needs to get on this one

[Red Badger]

Looks like there’s a line.........But the King could blew Bayeux!..............

[SunkenCiv]

Time Team S20 Special - 1066 The Lost Battlefield - YouTube
46:42
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhAXPI3ueW0

[SunkenCiv]

It was a fancy loo, there was a long tapestry roll for wipin’! :^)

[Jolla]

Have enjoyed art and the galleries of Europe, the Bayeux Tapestry is an amazing and beautiful piece of art.

[Adder]

So they dug until they found threads?

[Gamecock]

I’ve seen it in person. It is fascinating to look at.

[Monkey Face]

Wow!

Much to my surprise, I was able to watch a documentary on it yesterday, and I was so amazed at what the many sciences had discovered about it. They were even able to replicate the colors of the original wool that the tapestry was embroidered in, and at the end, they showed what it would have looked like when new. SO very stunning!

I would love to see it in person, but at my age, there isn’t much chance of any more world travel.

[Jolla]

I have hit retirement flying. Doing Europe every couple of years. Dad had to quit flying as does my father in law, only have about 10 years of travel left.

[Monkey Face]

I still fly if I have to, but only CONUS travel. I don’t think I could handle anything longer than three hours, since I don’t like being closed in!

But oh, man! If I were even 10 years younger and had unlimited funds, you wouldn’t see me for dust. Wanderlust hit me as a kid and it has never left!