Tapestry1

Editor's Notes

1. The story begins in the royal Palace of Westminster. Edward the Confesor, the King of England, is tlking to Harold, Earl of Wessex, his wife’s brother. He sends Harold on a mission to Normandy, in France.
2. The ships sail across the English Channel. A lookout has climbed to the masthead.
3. The English land, and Harold is taken prisoner by Count Guy de Ponthieu.
4. They ride to Count Guy’s castle. Harold goes in front and Count Guy folows with their retainers. The English hae been disarmed, but the Norman men-at-arms carry their spears. Notice that Harold is carrying a hawk.
5. Here they are at Count Guy’s castle. Count Guy tells Harold of the ransom he must pay to be released from captivity. Notice the Englishman on one foot behind the column, listening to their talk…perhaps it is he who brings the news of Harold’s abduction to Duke William.
6. The scene has changed to Duke William’s castle at Rouen and now we learn how the Duke came to hear the news of Harold’s capture. William sits listening to the tale told by an Englishman who escaped from the castle of Beaurain, perhaps the man we saw peeping round the pillar.
7. Harold and William ride together to Rouen, Harold going in front in the place of honor.