Scheduled strikes across France on Thursday have put back the relocation of the Bayeux Tapestry to a safe site, prior to its historic loan to the British Museum next year, officials explained.
French President Emmanuel Macron consented to lend the almost 1,000-year-old medieval tapestry, which illustrates the 1066 Norman conquest of England, to the British Museum in 2026 to commemorate Franco-British relations. The Bayeux Museum, Normandy, had shut down for renovation, and the tapestry was to be relocated Thursday.
Philippe Bélaval, France’s envoy for the loan, explained authorities could not assure the safety of the high-profile transfer because protests were expected. The new destination remains undisclosed, and officials intend to finalize the move in the next days.
Some have expressed fear that shipping the tapestry to the UK would harm it. An online petition has urged Macron to retract the loan, referring to it as a “heritage crime.” Bélaval has justified the decision, stating there is no danger to the artifact.
The 68-meter-long 1077 AD tapestry will be in Britain for 10 months from September 2026. French museums will, in return, receive Anglo-Saxon treasures from Sutton Hoo ancient site.
The postponement is happening as there are nationwide strikes protesting over Macron’s budget plans, and unions have threatened to cause disruptions in transport and possible disturbances.
