Don’t miss your chance to experience Bayeux Around Britain at Norwich Castle! This is a rare opportunity to see hand-painted plaster casts of original details from the Bayeux Tapestry.
The Bayeux Tapestry is an extraordinary work of art that tells the dramatic story of the events leading up to, and including, the Norman invasion of England in 1066. As part of the European Year of the Normans, Bayeux Around Britain: Casting a Masterpiece is bringing the iconic Bayeux Tapestry to as many people as possible.
Rarely on public display, the cast will bring visitors tantalisingly close to the Tapestry, connecting them with the original embroidery and those who made it. They were taken by artist Charles Alfred Stothard in 1816, applying wax directly to the Tapestry’s embroidery, a method of reproduction that, in risking the preservation of the Tapestry, would not be considered today. From these moulds he made a series of plaster casts, featuring Harold Godwinson, king of England from January to October 1066, and Duke William of Normandy, who defeated Harold at the battle of Hastings and seized the English crown.
Alongside the touring object, several replicas have been made to let you experience the casts up close. This includes a life-sized 3D printed replica that you can touch and feel the fine impressions on the cast, hand embroidered replicas of details to see what the actual tapestry might feel like, and a number of activities to get involved with too.
Bayeux Around Britain will be at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery for just three months- from 12 November 2026 – 10 January 2027– and is included in admission.
