The text of the Bayeux Tapestry

Abstract The Bayeux Tapestry, which strictly speaking is not a tapestry at all but a piece of embroidery, was produced in the late 11th century, probably commissioned by Odo, bishop of Bayeux, William the Conqueror’s half-brother. Its objective is to support William’s invasion and conquest of England. It can thus be seen as a piece of 11th century propaganda. It tells the story of Harold’s oath to support William’s claims to the English crown, his subsequent acceptance of the crown himself, followed by William’s invasion of England and Harold’s death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The images in the Tapestry are accompanied by a text in Latin. This paper analyses the transitivity of those clauses in this text where Harold and William occur. This shows how both of these protagonists are represented through the transitivity selections of the text. While both occur as Actor to the same extent, Harold functions as Affected much more frequently than William (including ultimately, getting killed!). In addition, William functions as Sayer more frequently than Harold, and usually with verbs that indicate his authority. Thus William is painted as an effective, authoritative ruler. Thus the text of the tapestry underlines the power of William following his conquest and enhances the empowerment which success in battle bestowed on him.