Photograph of young girl colouring in with felt tip pens, representing a Family Day activity at Westminster Abbey based on the Bayeux Tapestry as part of the Fraternite season

Fraternité Family Day: The Bayeux Tapestry and Beyond - May

Date Time Location Price

Explore how the drama of 1066 and the Battle of Hastings, as depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, shaped the future of Westminster Abbey.

In 1066, William the Conqueror led the Norman Invasion of England, defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings and was crowned King at Westminster Abbey. Explore these momentous events in a day of stories, puzzles, craft and mind-blowing history.

Your own Bayeux Collage

The story of 1066 was memorably told in the Bayeux Tapestry. Choose your own character from the Tapestry and, using craft and collage materials, create a brand-new scene, exploring who they are, what they got up to in 1066, and what their superpower might be!

  • Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm

William the Conqueror story tour

Did Edward the Confessor promise the throne of England to William of Normandy, or was that just a rumour? Was King Harold shot by an arrow through the eye, or is that just a tapestry-maker's fantasy? Why did William the Conqueror choose Westminster Abbey for his coronation and why did the day end in a riot? Explore all this and more in a family story tour, bringing to life the dramatic events of 1066, and the ways in which the Norman invasion changed English history.

  • Time: 11.00am

Age suitability

Activities are suitable for children aged 3+ and younger children are welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout their time at the Abbey. 

Toilets and baby changing facilities are available in the Cloisters. 

Fraternité

These activities are part of Fraternité, a spring season at the Abbey celebrating the links between the UK and France with music, talks and events.