Rediscovered Bayeux Tapestry Fragment to be Repatriated to France

In March 2025, a long-lost fragment of the Bayeux Tapestry was rediscovered in the Schleswig-Holstein State Archives in Schleswig, Germany. This piece, removed during a 1941 Nazi-led examination, is slated for repatriation to France later this year, coinciding with significant conservation efforts for the historic artifact.

The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidered cloth measuring approximately 70 meters in length, depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World heritage item, it is currently housed in the Bayeux Museum in Normandy, France.

The fragment was found among the estate of Karl Schlabow, a German textile archaeologist who, in 1941, was commissioned by the Nazi SS organization "Ahnenerbe" to remeasure the tapestry. During this project, the fragment was removed from the underside of the embroidery. The Ahnenerbe, established by Heinrich Himmler in 1935, was dedicated to promoting Nazi racial theories and conducted pseudoscientific research to support these ideologies.

The rediscovered fragment is set to be returned to France later this year, acknowledging the tapestry's status as French cultural property. This repatriation aligns with ongoing efforts to preserve and restore the Bayeux Tapestry. The Bayeux Museum has announced a major conservation project, including a two-year closure starting August 31, 2025, to facilitate restoration work. The museum's reopening is planned to coincide with the millennium anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth in 1028. (bayeuxmuseum.com)

The rediscovery and repatriation of the tapestry fragment underscore the enduring significance of cultural heritage and the importance of returning artifacts to their countries of origin. This event also highlights the complex history of art and artifacts during wartime, particularly those appropriated during World War II. The Bayeux Tapestry serves as a vital link to medieval history, and its preservation ensures that future generations can engage with this remarkable artifact.