Bayeux Gallery

View Britain's famous full-size Victorian version of the Bayeux Tapestry in its magnificent entirety.

This faithful replica is 70-metres long. It was made by 35 skilled Victorian women embroiderers in 1885 and depicts the events leading up and includes to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. For more information visit our Britain's Bayeux Tapestry webpages.

The gallery also explores the background and impact of the Norman Conquest by William I. His youngest son King Henry I founded Reading Abbey in 1121, and you can discover more about one of Europe's most important medieval monasteries in the Story of Reading Gallery.

The Bayeux Tapestry gallery is open every day during our opening hours. From time to time we do have school sessions taking place in the gallery during the week, which can make viewing limited. The schools have normally left by 2.15pm.

Bayeux Tapestry tours

Every Saturday, from 2.00pm - 3.00pm, we run tours of our Bayeux Tapestry. You can book your tour now. These guided tours, led by Museum staff, are suitable for all ages. If you are coming as a group please call 0118 937 3400 and ask to speak to our Education team.

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Fabulous Museum, I really enjoyed seeing the Tapestry replica on the first floor. Not to be missed!

- Reading Museum visitor A6841C61-ACD8-4C22-BA6A-1DA1EACB60AA