The Bayeux Tapestry

A BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisation

By: Simon Armitage, Jeff Young

Narrated by: Christopher Eccleston, full cast, Kirsty Wark

A combination of verse from Simon Armitage and prose from Jeff Young lends a voice to the chain of events depicted on the famous Bayeux Tapestry. This production chronicles the history surrounding the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the ascension of Duke William of Normandy to the English throne.

Harold, Duke of Wessex, takes the English throne, despite Edward the Confessor's wish that William Duke of Normandy should be his heir. Seeking retribution, William sails to England and heads his troops towards Hastings, where the battle eventually concludes with Harold's death by an arrow shot to the eye. Poetry and prose are interspersed with war correspondent-style reports on the action. As the royal dukes ponder their lot, assorted commoners of the day discuss fear, heroism and grief.

©2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A Well Told Story Based on the Bayeux Tapestry

I've enjoyed almost every BBC Radio Cast program. The story fits the Tapestry and tries to convey a bit of the time