Two Invasions

Ted. Though Judy and I have visited France many times, there are quite a few famous regions that we have never seen. Having just learned about the Vikings on our trip to Sweden, it seemed appropriate that we visit Normandy, named for the Vikings who settled down in this part of France in the 9th century and came to be called the Northmen or Normans. 

From Giverny, already described in Judy’s post, we drove to the town of Bayeux, home of the famous tapestry. This stunning work, completed in the 1070’s, is thought to have been used as a propaganda tool by the successful Normans to convince the newly conquered Anglo Saxons that William the Conqueror’s cause was just. It was about that time that his old name, William the Bastard fell from use. 

In this example of history being written by the victors, the Bayeux Tapestry is a strip of linen 224 ft long with about 50 panels depicting scenes from the Battle of Hastings and the events that led up to it. Apparently, it was hung in the Bayeux Cathedral from time to time so that illiterate folks could be reminded of what happened “back in the day.” The detail is incredible and the story intriguing.

Harold traveling from England to Normandy

 

Harold swearing loyalty to William

Norman invasion

Note use of colors to create 3D effect

Battle Royal

Harold (2nd from left) gets an arrow in the eye

Bayeux Cathedral

Our next stop was Omaha Beach to learn about another invasion. We paid our respects at the American Cemetery and tried to imagine the scene at Omaha Beach.

Omaha beach from the bluff

"Mulberrys" off the coast of Arromanches

Guess which French town was the first to be liberated? Yep, Bayeux! There is another cemetery there for soldiers of the British Commonwealth who died in Normandy during WWII. A large monument bears an inscription in Latin, which translates as “We, once conquered by William, have now set free the Conqueror’s native land.”

American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer