XXV. A Defence of the early Antiquity of the Bayeux Tapestry. By Thomas Amyot, Esq. F.S.A. in a Letter addressed to Henry Ellis, Esq. F.R.S. Secretary

In the observations which I addressed to you on the historical fact supposed to be established by the Bayeux Tapestry, I purposely abstained from investigating the age of that venerable and interesting relick. Such an attempt, indeed, would have been foreign to the object of my inquiry, believing as I then did, and as I still do, that, to whatever period this work may be ascribed, it cannot justly be considered as furnishing any evidence whatever of Harold's mission to the court of Normandy. But as the whole subject of the Tapestry is now fairly before us, most ably illustrated both by the pencil and the pen of Mr. Stothard, jun. I am tempted to avail myself of the opportunity thus afforded me of adverting to the question which has been so long at issue. This may perhaps seem the less necessary, when I profess myself to be abundantly satisfied with the proofs adduced by Mr. Stothard in support of the tradition which makes the Tapestry coeval with the events it celebrates.