Bayeux tapestry to be insured for 800m for British Museum exhibition

"The Treasury will insure the 70-metre embroidered cloth, which depicts the 1066 Norman invasion and Battle of Hastings, for damage or loss during its transfer from France and while it is on display at the British Museum from September. It will back the cover under the Government Indemnity Scheme, an alternative to commercial insurance that allows art and cultural objects to be shown in the UK."

"An HM Treasury spokesperson said: The Government Indemnity Scheme is a longstanding scheme that allows museums and galleries to borrow high value works for major exhibitions, increasing visitor numbers and providing public benefits. Without this cover, public museums and galleries would face a substantial commercial insurance premium, which would be significantly less cost effective. The scheme is estimated to have saved UK museums and galleries 81m compared with commercial insurance."

"The Bayeux tapestry depicts the Battle of Hastings and events leading up to it. At the battle William the Conqueror defeated Harold Godwinson and became the first Norman king of England. The cloth consists of 58 scenes and is widely accepted to have been made in England during the 11th century and was probably commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux."

The Treasury will insure the 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry for an estimated 800m while it is transferred from France and displayed at the British Museum. The cover will be provided under the Government Indemnity Scheme, an alternative to commercial insurance that has saved UK museums and galleries an estimated 81m in premiums. The cloth, made of embroidered scenes depicting the 1066 Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings, consists of 58 scenes and was likely produced in 11th-century England, probably commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux. The tapestry will be on loan to the British Museum from September 2026 until July 2027 while the Bayeux museum undergoes renovation.

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