3.2.2 Artwork Besides illuminations, embroidered tapestries are also valuable to historians. The Bayeux Tapestry (see SOURCE2 ) is an embroidered cloth showing the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the events before it. It is very well preserved and is displayed in Bayeux, France. Although its origins are unclear, such wall hangings were used for decoration and to insulate cold castle walls. They were also portable and moved with their owners. These artworks provide historians with much information about the scenes they show and the technologies available to their creators. Other artworks include paintings, mosaics and frescos.
SOURCE2 A section of the Bayeux Tapestry that shows the preparation of the feast while on campaign fighting for King William I of England
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources
1. Look at SOURCE2 . What details in the tapestry suggest the social status and roles of the servants depicted? 2. How does the tapestry illustrate the daily life and activities of servants during a military campaign? 3. What can we learn about the food, clothing and customs of the time from this section of the tapestry?
3.2.3 Written sources Many stories and poems from the Middle Ages give us valuable information. One famous example is Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales , written around 1391. This book looks at medieval English society. The titles of the tales, like ‘The Miller’s Tale’, ‘The Knight’s Tale’ and ‘The Monk’s Tale’, show the different jobs people had. Official records also provide information about the Middle Ages. For instance, William the Conqueror (William I) conducted a survey of all property in England in the late 11th century. This record, called The Domesday Book (see SOURCE3 ), details the resources in England at that time, and is very useful for historians.
TOPIC3 Medieval Europe 51
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