Missing Bayeux Tapestry Fragment Discovered in Germany to Return to France

A long-missing fragment of the Bayeux Tapestry, removed during World War II, has been rediscovered in Germany and is set to be returned to France, enhancing the preservation of this medieval artifact.

The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidered cloth nearly 70 meters long, depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The rediscovered fragment was found in the Schleswig-Holstein State Archives in Schleswig, Germany, among the estate of Karl Schlabow, a local archaeologist specializing in textiles. Schlabow was part of a group of scientists commissioned by the Nazis in 1941 to remeasure the Bayeux Tapestry. During this project, the fragment was removed from the underside of the embroidery. The rediscovered piece is now set to be repatriated to France.

The Bayeux Tapestry has faced numerous threats throughout its history. During the French Revolution, it was nearly destroyed when revolutionaries sought to use it to protect ammunition wagons. In World War II, the Nazis showed interest in the tapestry due to its depiction of a successful invasion of England. The recent discovery and repatriation of the missing fragment contribute to ongoing preservation efforts. The Bayeux Museum in Normandy, where the tapestry is housed, has announced plans for renovation work starting on September 1, 2025, with reopening planned for October 2027. Bayeux Museum's official announcement

The rediscovery and repatriation of the missing fragment hold significant cultural and historical value. It enhances the completeness of the Bayeux Tapestry, providing scholars and the public with a more comprehensive understanding of this medieval artifact. The event also underscores the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage and rectifying historical wrongs.