Scene-Spotting Guide, Accessible Text
All readable text from the 28-page guide, with places for your own observations
This web version gives the extractable text of the printable booklet in page order, with text enlargement, keyboard navigation and note fields. The original PDF also contains images or areas for writing and drawing. Some illustrations still need manual description checks.
Tick off each scene you spot
The original booklet includes checkboxes for the 58 scenes. This online checklist is keyboard accessible. Selections remain in this browser page until you leave it.
Page 1
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Page 2
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Page 3: How to Use This Booklet
How to Use This Booklet Look first. Then make the booklet your own. This is an observation companion, not a picture book. Each entry gives a short description of one of the Bayeux Tapestry's 58 scenes, a box to tick when you have found it, and space for your own notes. The scene images are deliberately not reproduced on these pages.
1 At a museum or exhibition Take the booklet with you while viewing the real Tapestry, a reproduction, or a travelling display. Find each scene, tick it off, and record what catches your eye. 2 Alongside a book Use the booklet beside a book containing photographs of the Tapestry.
The short descriptions help you locate each scene while the note space lets you make your own observations. 3 Online or in the classroom Use thebayeuxtapestry.com or another trusted image source to explore the scenes on screen, then discuss what you notice and what questions the embroidery raises. Useful tip Do not try to write everything.
A few words about a face, gesture, animal, border detail, colour, weapon, ship or building can be enough to remind you what you noticed later. Suitable for Key Stage 2. Free to print and copy within your school. thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 2
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Page 4: A Note for Teachers
A Note for Teachers A flexible companion for Key Stage 2 history Where it fits This booklet is suitable for Key Stage 2 history, particularly work on Anglo-Saxon England, Edward the Confessor, the events of 1066 and the transition to Norman rule.
It can be used before or during a museum visit, alongside a classroom topic, or with a book or website showing the Tapestry. The emphasis is observation. The descriptions tell pupils what scene to look for, but the blank note space is there for what they notice for themselves.
Ideas for using it Choose six scenes for a focused museum visit rather than trying to complete all 58 at once. Ask pupils to record one visual detail and one question for each chosen scene. Compare two pupils' notes afterwards. Did they notice the same things?
Use the final Scene 59 activity to discuss how historians distinguish evidence from imagination. Free to copy and distribute within your school. thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 3
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Page 5: Who's Who
Who's Who Meet four key figures in the story of 1066 Harold Godwinson Earl of Wessex, later King of England Harold was the most powerful nobleman in England. After Edward's death, the English nobles chose him as king. Years earlier he had sworn a solemn oath while in Normandy, an oath the Normans later used in support of William's claim.
Harold defeated a Viking invasion at Stamford Bridge before facing William at Hastings on 14 October 1066. King Edward King of England, 1042-1066 Edward the Confessor ruled England for more than twenty years and was closely associated with Westminster Abbey. He and Queen Edith had no children.
When Edward died in January 1066, the question of who should succeed him became central to the crisis that followed. thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 4
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Page 6: Who's Who
Who's Who Meet four key figures in the story of 1066 William Duke of Normandy, later King of England William became Duke of Normandy as a child and grew into a formidable ruler. He believed he had a claim to the English throne. After Harold became king, William built an invasion fleet, crossed the Channel and defeated Harold at Hastings.
He was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066. Bishop Odo Bishop of Bayeux, William's half-brother Odo was William's younger half-brother and Bishop of Bayeux. He appears prominently in the Tapestry and is shown rallying Norman troops at Hastings.
He has often been suggested as a possible commissioner of the embroidery, although the identity of the commissioner is not known for certain. thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 5
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Page 7: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 1 to 6 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 1 King Edward Old King Edward on his throne, talks quietly with Harold, setting the whole story in motion. spotted My notes / observations: 2 Harold Rides to Bosham Harold rides for the coast, hawk perched on his wrist, hounds running on ahead.
spotted My notes / observations: 3 Bosham Church Harold prays for safe passage, then feasts in the hall, before boarding his ship. spotted My notes / observations: 4 Harold Sets Sail Men wade out to the ships, tunics hitched up high, and set off for France.
spotted My notes / observations: 5 Lands in Ponthieu Harold's ship goes off course, landing in the wrong territory, that of Count Guy. spotted My notes / observations: 6 Harold Ashore Harold steps onto the beach, still clutching his hawk. Armed men are waiting.
spotted My notes / observations: thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 6
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Page 8: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 7 to 12 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 7 Guy Seizes Harold Count Guy takes his prisoner, England's most powerful earl, a remarkable stroke of luck. spotted My notes / observations: 8 Taken to Beaurain Guy leads Harold inland, to his own stronghold. A rider glances back.
spotted My notes / observations: 9 Harold and Guy Talk The two men sit and talk, likely discussing a ransom. Guy holds his sword upright. spotted My notes / observations: 10 William's Messengers Arrive William's messengers reach Guy's court, demanding Harold's release. The mysterious Turold holds their horses.
n spotted My notes / observations: 11 Messengers Ride Fast A dramatic flashback scene, messengers gallop at full speed, hair and trees streaming behind. spotted My notes / observations: 12 News Reaches William William hears of the capture, seated on his throne, his first appearance in the story.
spotted My notes / observations: thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 7
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Page 9: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 13 to 18 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 13 Guy Delivers Harold to William Guy hands Harold over, pointing back at his prisoner, like passing over a parcel. spotted My notes / observations: 14 Arrival at the Palace William and Harold arrive together, at the ducal palace. Harold gestures as he speaks.
spotted My notes / observations: 15 The Mysterious Ælfgyva A priest touches a woman's face, the caption trails off unexplained. Still a mystery today. spotted My notes / observations: 16 March to Mont-Saint-Michel William marches his army out, Harold rides along too, passing the famous island abbey.
spotted My notes / observations: 17 Crossing the Quicksand Soldiers blunder into quicksand. Harold hauls two men free, a genuine moment of heroism. spotted My notes / observations: 18 Conan Flees Dol The Normans reach the town, Conan of Brittany flees, escaping down a rope.
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Page 10: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 19 to 24 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 19 Attack on Dinan Cavalry storm the castle, attackers hold flaming torches, to the timber walls. spotted My notes / observations: 20 Conan Surrenders the Keys Conan finally gives up, passing over the town's keys, on the tip of a lance.
spotted My notes / observations: 21 William Arms Harold William presents Harold with arms, helmet, sword and armour, a gift that quietly binds him. spotted My notes / observations: 22 Arrival at Bayeux The company reaches Bayeux, Harold still travelling with William, Bishop Odo's own home city.
n spotted My notes / observations: 23 Harold's Oath Harold swears a sacred oath, one hand on each relic box, the pivotal scene of the story. spotted My notes / observations: 24 Harold Returns to England Harold sails for home, released at last. A lookout watches from the cliff.
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Page 11: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 25 to 30 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 25 Harold Reports to Edward Harold stands before the king, Edward raises a lecturing finger. No words are recorded.
spotted My notes / observations: 26 Edward's Funeral Procession The king's body is carried, towards the new abbey, a workman still finishing the roof. spotted My notes / observations: 27 Edward's Deathbed The dying king reaches out, touching the hand of Harold. His wife Edith weeps nearby.
spotted My notes / observations: 28 The King Has Died Edward's body is prepared, shown just below his deathbed, a living king above, a dead one below. spotted My notes / observations: 29 Harold Offered the Crown Nobles offer Harold the crown, along with a royal axe. The coronation follows almost at once.
spotted My notes / observations: 30 Harold Enthroned Harold sits crowned in majesty, orb and sceptre in hand, a king for just 282 days. spotted My notes / observations: thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 10
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Page 12: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 31 to 36 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 31 Archbishop Stigand The controversial archbishop stands by, excommunicated by five different popes, casting doubt on the coronation.
spotted My notes / observations: 32 Halley's Comet A blazing comet streaks overhead, seen as a terrible omen, one of the earliest images of it. spotted My notes / observations: 33 Harold Told of the Comet A messenger brings the news, Harold twists nervously on his throne, ghostly ships float in the border.
spotted My notes / observations: 34 English Ship Brings News A single ship crosses the sea, carrying news to Normandy. Harold has taken the crown. n spotted My notes / observations: 35 William Orders Ships Built William gives the order, to build an invasion fleet, Bishop Odo advising at his side.
spotted My notes / observations: 36 Ships Hauled to Sea Finished ships are dragged, down to the water, using ropes and log rollers. spotted My notes / observations: thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 11
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Page 13: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 37 to 42 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 37 Loading Arms and Wine Men carry weapons to the ships, mail shirts slung on poles, and a huge barrel of wine.
spotted My notes / observations: 38 The Fleet Sets Sail The invasion fleet crosses overnight, decks packed with men and horses, landing unopposed at Pevensey. spotted My notes / observations: 39 Horses Unloaded Warhorses leap from the ships, splashing ashore onto the beach, a difficult and risky undertaking.
spotted My notes / observations: 40 Soldiers Seize Food Knights ride out to forage, stripping the local countryside, deliberately provoking Harold to march. spotted My notes / observations: 41 Here Is Wadard A named figure appears, supervising the foraging party, later traced in the Domesday Book.
spotted My notes / observations: 42 Cooking the Feast An open-air camp kitchen, meat cooked over the flames, shields used as a makeshift table. spotted My notes / observations: thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 12
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Page 14: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 43 to 48 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 43 The Feast and Blessing Bishop Odo blesses the meal, seated at the table's centre, posed just like the Last Supper. spotted My notes / observations: 44 Odo, William and Robert The war council gathers, William flanked by two brothers, three sons of one mother.
spotted My notes / observations: 45 Digging the Castle at Hastings Labourers pile up an earth mound, building a castle in days. Two workmen brawl with their shovels. spotted My notes / observations: 46 William Hears of Harold A scout brings urgent news, Harold's army is close, after a brutal forced march south.
n spotted My notes / observations: 47 A House Set on Fire A house is put to the torch, a mother flees with her child, the tapestry's only civilian scene. spotted My notes / observations: 48 Riding Out to Battle Norman knights ride out, lances raised, gathering speed. Harold is still called king here.
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Page 15: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 49 to 54 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 49 William Asks Vital for News William questions a scout, asking if he has seen Harold. A third mystery cameo appears. spotted My notes / observations: 50 Harold Warned of William An English scout reports back, matching news for King Harold.
Both sides know the fight is close. spotted My notes / observations: 51 William Addresses His Troops William gives his famous speech, telling his men to fight, bravely and wisely, he says. spotted My notes / observations: 52 Death of Leofwine and Gyrth Harold's own brothers fall, fighting with axe and spear, three brothers lost in one day.
spotted My notes / observations: 53 English and French Fall Together Chaos grips the battle, horses tumble into a ditch. Both sides fall together, says the text. spotted My notes / observations: 54 Odo Rallies the Troops A rumour spreads that William is dead. Bishop Odo charges forward, rallying the wavering young soldiers.
spotted My notes / observations: thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 14
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Page 16: Scene-Spotting Guide
Scene-Spotting Guide Scenes 55 to 58 - look at the real image, then write what you notice 55 William Lifts His Helmet William proves he still lives, tipping back his helmet, showing his bare face to the army.
spotted My notes / observations: 56 Count Eustace and the Banner Count Eustace points to William, holding aloft a banner, possibly blessed by the pope himself. spotted My notes / observations: 57 Death of Harold The most famous image in English history, an arrow, a sword, one king. Exactly what happened is still debated.
spotted My notes / observations: 58 The English Flee The English army breaks and scatters, pursued into the gathering dusk. And here the tapestry simply stops. spotted My notes / observations: thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 15
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Page 17: The Missing Scene 59
The Missing Scene 59 What happened to the ending? The Bayeux Tapestry, as it survives today, ends abruptly. The last scene shows the English army breaking and fleeing after the Battle of Hastings, and then the linen simply stops, its story cut short.
For an embroidery that otherwise tells its tale so completely, this has puzzled historians for centuries. Nobody knows for certain why the ending is missing. It may have been damaged and lost through ordinary wear over the centuries, the outer edges of old textiles are usually the first parts to suffer.
It may have been deliberately cut away at some point in its long history, though no record survives of when or why. What we do know is that the tapestry was probably always meant to be longer.
By comparing the surviving length with the pacing of the story so far, and with the way the tapestry opens, historians estimate that somewhere between one and six metres are missing from the end. The leading theory So what would it have shown?
Most historians agree on the leading theory: the coronation of William as King of England, crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. This would create a satisfying mirror with the very first scene of the tapestry, which shows the old King Edward enthroned.
Ending with William enthroned in his place would complete the story exactly as it began, one king replaced by another. It is only a theory, but it is the one most experts find the most convincing.
Historians estimate the missing length by working out roughly how much linen each scene takes up on average, then asking how many more scenes a satisfying ending would need.
A coronation scene alone would likely need several metres, room for the abbey itself, the assembled nobles, and Archbishop Ealdred performing the ceremony, all in the tapestry's usual unhurried style. Not everyone agrees it stops at the coronation, though.
A handful of historians have suggested the original ending went further still, showing William beginning to reward his followers with English land, the process that would reshape the whole country in the years that followed. There is one more twist.
The final caption visible today, reading roughly "and the English turned in flight", is not original at all. Early copies of the tapestry from the 1730s show no such caption in that spot, and it was most likely embroidered on by restorers around 1814, centuries after the tapestry was made. Even the ending we can see has been altered.
Whatever the real final scene once showed, it has been gone for a very long time, and unless a lost fragment is ever discovered somewhere, we may never know for certain. Next page: design your own Scene 59. thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 16
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Page 18
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Page 19: The Journey South
The Journey South The traditional story Harold Godwinson defeated a Viking army at Stamford Bridge, near York, on 25 September 1066. Two days later William's fleet landed on the Sussex coast. The traditional account has Harold turning south and marching his army towards Hastings before the battle on 14 October.
This exhausting journey has often been used to help explain the English defeat. Harold's overland route from Stamford Bridge to Hastings, alongside William's Channel crossing. thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 18 The traditional route:
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Page 20: A New Theory Emerges
A New Theory Emerges A 2026 reassessment challenges the old story In 2026, historian Professor Tom Licence presented research suggesting that the famous forced march may not have happened entirely on foot.
He argues that Harold's fleet may still have been available and that part of the army could have sailed south from the Humber towards the Thames, perhaps continuing towards Hastings. The proposal remains an interpretation rather than a certainty, but it is a useful example of how historians test familiar stories against surviving evidence.
Why this matters History is not a fixed list of facts. New questions, better comparisons and fresh readings of old sources can change how we understand the past. The historians who make those discoveries may be sitting in classrooms today. thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 19
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Page 21: Glossary
Glossary Useful words for exploring the Tapestry Housecarl A professional, highly trained soldier who fought for the English king. Fyrd The English part-time army, made up of ordinary landholders called up to fight when needed. Mail Armour made of thousands of interlocking metal rings, worn as a knee-length shirt by knights and housecarls alike.
Shield wall A defensive line of soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder, shields overlapped, the backbone of English infantry. Kite shield The long, pointed shield carried by Norman cavalry, protecting the leg while riding, a shield built for mobility.
Round shield The smaller, sturdier shield carried by English foot soldiers, built to interlock tightly and hold the shield wall firm. Boss The raised metal dome at the centre of a round shield, protecting the fist and doubling as a weapon to punch an opponent off balance.
Motte and bailey A type of early castle: a mound of earth (motte) topped with a tower, next to a walled yard (bailey). Relic An object, often a bone, believed to have belonged to a saint. Oaths sworn on relics were considered unbreakable. Oath A solemn promise, often sworn on holy relics.
Breaking one was considered one of the worst things a person could do. Earl A powerful English nobleman who governed a large region on the king's behalf. Harold was Earl of Wessex before he became king. Duke A powerful nobleman who ruled a duchy on behalf of a king. William was Duke of Normandy before he became King of England too.
Coronation The ceremony crowning a new king. Both Harold and William were crowned in Westminster Abbey, less than a year apart. Embroidery Stitching a design onto existing cloth. The Bayeux Tapestry is technically an embroidery, not a woven tapestry.
Titulus The short Latin caption stitched above each scene of the tapestry, naming who is who and explaining what is happening. thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 20
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Page 22: My Observations
My Observations Details I noticed while looking at the Tapestry thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 21
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Page 23: Questions and Ideas
Questions and Ideas Things I want to find out later thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 22
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Page 24: My Favourite Details
My Favourite Details Sketch, describe or compare anything that caught your attention A detail I want to remember A question I still have thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 23
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Page 25: My Observations
My Observations Details I noticed while looking at the Tapestry thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 21
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Page 26: About This Guide
About This Guide Independent, free and made for curious observers This scene-spotting guide was created by thebayeuxtapestry.com, an independent educational website about the Bayeux Tapestry and the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is designed to be used with the real Tapestry, museum displays, reproductions, books or trusted online images.
Continue exploring online thebayeuxtapestry.com Scan for the full scene-by-scene guide Free school use You may print and copy this booklet for use within your school. Please keep the website credit and 'not for resale' notice in place. Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the British Museum or the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.
thebayeuxtapestry.com · Free school and family resource · Not for resale 24 For the full scene-by-scene guide, Latin inscriptions and translations, articles on Harold, William and the Battle of Hastings, and visitor information, visit:
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Page 27
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Page 28
THEBAYEUXTAPESTRY.COM Scene-Spotting Guide A free activity booklet for schools and families Short descriptions of all 58 scenes Space for notes and observations Suitable for Key Stage 2 Explore the full scene-by-scene guide online Free to print and copy within your school An independent educational resource.
Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the British Museum or the Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux. © 2026 thebayeuxtapestry.com
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