Why a tapestry?
There is good reason to believe that in the 11th century it was not uncommon
to employ these to record the deed of the living and to provide a souvenir for
subsequent generations. Tapestries do not last for ever - Regimental colours
which were made in a similar way, had to be replaced every century so a tapestry
that was taken out regularly would last a similar time. The survival of the
Bayeux tapestry is exceptional.
Maldon
The Liber
Eliensis (Book of Ely) records that Brythnoth's widow gave the Cathedral
a tapestry or hanging celebrating his deeds. We do not have any record of the
content so we do not know if it depicts the battle of Maldon. This was
apparently given very soon after his death. If so, it had probably previously
been prepared earlier and used to decorate his hall on fest days. Byrhtnoth was
married to Ælfflæd, sister of Dowager Queen Edith , and thus a kinsman of King
Edgar by marriage.
SKOG tapestry (above)
