Bayeux

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3 October 2010

The day started with a walk into Arromanches to get a closer look at the Mulberry Harbour as the tide was low.

Bayeux is only 9k inland from here and today we achieved one of the major objectives of this trip by viewing the world famous tapestry depicting William’s victory over Harold at Hastings in 1066 and the events leading up to it. It is 70 metres long and was brilliantly displayed. Wendy was pleased that she could get close to the display cabinet and was able to see it quite well.

The tapestry may have been commissioned by Bishop Oddo, Williams’ half brother to display in the cathedral he built which we also looked round.

The day in this pleasant small city was rounded off by visiting the Bayeux British war cemetery, the largest established following the 1944 Battle of Normandy. It contains graves of several nationalities including some Germans. It was a humbling experience to be there.

We stayed at a campsite in the small village of Martragney just outside Bayeux. The owner cooked us a simple meal and we had a delightful evening sharing it with a Swedish family, the father of whom was celebrating his 50th birthday.

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