Our outreach work shares and celebrates our Island story
throughout our community

The project is Jersey Heritage’s contribution to the celebrations for ‘2027 Year of the Normans’, which marks the 1,000^th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror. The tapestry – technically a narrative embroidery like the original – will share stories drawn from the Island’s Norman history (with focus on the women of the period) and eventually go on display at the Jersey Museum.

The original Bayeux Tapestry in France is 70m long in total and was created during the 11^th century to tell the story of William’s conquest of England. The Jersey tapestry, which is supported by the Government of Jersey, comprises nine panels each measuring 61cm x 80cm (over 7m in total) and will replicate as closely as possible the style of the original work using wool and linen.

Islanders taking part in the project will be asked to learn the medieval stitches used to create the Bayeux Tapestry and then use them during workshops to complete the Jersey panels. Primary schoolchildren will design mythical creatures to feature in the border of each panel, which will be stitched by secondary school pupils.

Jersey Bayeux Tapestry Project launch_1_CREDIT Jersey Evening Post

Jersey Bayeux Tapestry Project, image by Jersey Evening Post

The Jersey Bayeux Tapestry has been supported by the Government of Jersey.

What is the Jersey Bayeux Tapestry Project?

What is the Jersey Bayeux Tapestry Project?

Islanders are invited to take part in an exciting new community project to create a Jersey version of the famous Bayeux Tapestry. The Jersey Bayeux Tapestry takes the events of 1066 as its starting point. It tells the story of the Island’s links to the Battle of Hastings, and how medieval women played an important role in that story and in the creation of the original Tapestry.

Why are Jersey Heritage creating a tapestry

The project was launched by Jersey Heritage as part of celebrations for ‘2027 Year of the Normans’, which marks the 1,000^th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror. The Jersey tapestry – technically a narrative embroidery like the original – will share stories drawn from the Island’s Norman history and eventually go on display at Jersey Museum.

How big is the tapestry?

While the original Bayeux Tapestry is around 70m long, the Jersey tapestry, which is supported by the Government of Jersey, comprises nine panels each measuring 61cm x 80cm (over 7m in total) and will replicate as closely as possible the style of the original work using wool and linen.

How long will this project take to complete?

It is expected to take two years to complete, starting from May 2026 to the end of 2027. It is hoped that at least one panel will be finished by January 2027.

Do I need to be a skilled needleworker to get involved?

Any level of stitching skill is welcome, from accomplished embroiderers to people who have never stitched before but would like to learn something new.

How can I get involved?

The project is led by Melissa Rodrigues, Jersey Heritage’s Outreach Curator, who explained that community was central to the creation of the Jersey tapestry. She said: “This is first and foremost a community project and we hope it brings together people from across Jersey to connect with our medieval history.”

To get involved, please email melissa.rodrigues@jerseyheritage.org

Working with our local partners helps us to understand and connect with each other and with our Island – its amazing places, people and stories.

We’ve been working with the clients and residents of Andium Homes, Jersey Mencap, the Youth Service, Age Concern, Headway and La Moye Prison, just to name a few.

Some of the projects that we have facilitated have included taking our ‘What’s your Street Story’ talks to the residents of Andium Homes as a way of connecting locals to the areas in which they live.