The Bayeux Tapestry arrives at the British Museum in London after a covert, high-security transfer from Bayeux, France, completing an 11-hour, 350-mile convoy through the Channel Tunnel in a climate-controlled double crate that reduces vibration by 96 percent.Conservators transported the nearly 70-meter embroidered linen that depicts William the Conqueror's 1066 invasion and contains 58 scenes with 627 human figures, 737 animals, roughly 10,000 holes and 30 unstabilized tears; the United Kingdom financed the move and accepted an £800M indemnity against serious deterioration.The loan, announced during
Emmanuel Macron's visit last year and accompanied by reciprocal exchanges of Anglo-Saxon and Renaissance objects, drew criticism from some French heritage experts even as
Delphine Christophe of the
French Culture Ministry accompanied the convoy and officials plan a restoration after the tapestry returns in mid-2027.