Islanders are being invited to take part in an exciting new community project to create a Jersey version of the famous Bayeux Tapestry.

The project is being launched by Jersey Heritage as part of celebrations for ‘2027 Year of the Normans’, which marks the 1,000th 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 and eventually go on display at Jersey Museum.
The original Bayeux Tapestry in France is 70m long in total and was created during the 11th century to tell the story of William’s conquest of England. The Jersey tapestry, which is supported by the Government of Jersey – Creative Island Partnership, 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.

The two-year project is being 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. The time of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 was significant for Jersey and this project is a wonderful way to engage with the forthcoming celebrations to mark the 1,000th birthday of William the Conqueror. Any level of stitching skill is welcome, from those who are accomplished to people who have never stitched before but would like to learn something new.”

The stories displayed on the tapestry panels, which also feature the Island’s native language of Jèrriais, were researched and initially drawn by Vic Tanner Davy, Jersey Heritage’s Head of Programmes, with help from local historian Jean Treleven. The panels were then designed and coloured by local artist Jo Preston.

Central to the Jersey interpretation are stories of women, including high born characters, such as Emma of Normandy and Eleanor and Margaret of Provence, and everyday women living in Jersey from 933-1259.

Vic said: “While researching the Bayeux Tapestry, we discovered that it features only three women in the whole 70 metres. Where were the women in 1066? What were they doing while their men were immortalised in cloth? We hope our Jersey version will strengthen our understanding of the role played by women in Jersey’s medieval heritage while also sharing the significance to the Island of the events of 1066.”

Volunteers already signed up to help with the Jersey Bayeux Tapestry Project have begun to learn the medieval stitches required to create the panels. Two expert embroiderers from Bayeux will also be visiting the Island in April to demonstrate and share their knowledge.

Details of the community workshops will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, anyone interested in taking part in the project as a volunteer can contact Melissa at melissa.rodrigues@jerseyheritage.org.