Bayeux Tapestry to Make Rare England Debut in Historic Loan Deal
The Bayeux Tapestry is coming to London under a historic cultural exchange between France and the UK. The 11th-century artwork will be displayed at the British Museum for ten months, protected by a special £800 million government-backed indemnity. The loan follows an agreement between French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The UK Treasury will cover the tapestry’s value against damage or loss during its transfer from Normandy. This falls under the Government Indemnity Scheme, which allows museums to borrow high-value works without paying commercial insurance costs. Chancellor Rachel Reeves must personally approve the indemnity before the loan proceeds.
The tapestry will travel in a custom-built crate and be displayed behind a protective screen. Once in London, it will remain on view for ten months before returning to France. The arrangement marks a rare opportunity for UK audiences to see the medieval masterpiece up close. The loan was finalised after Macron and Starmer agreed to strengthen cultural ties between the two nations. While the tapestry’s journey has been carefully planned, its temporary move hinges on the Treasury’s formal sign-off.
The indemnity ensures the Bayeux Tapestry’s safe passage and display in Britain. Without it, the British Museum would face prohibitive insurance costs. The exhibition will run for nearly a year, giving visitors a chance to see one of history’s most famous textiles before it returns to France.
