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A slide show projected onto billowing white “sails” describes the Viking invasions of western Europe. Next, echoing the Tapestry itself, an 85 m (280 ft) band of cloth explains the story told by the embroidery.

Using life-size figures, maps and scale models (including a delightful model of the village of East Meon), William’s influence on every sphere of English life after his conquest is cleverly portrayed.

In the Salle Mathilde, maps and drawings depict the events of the Norman Conquest. Next comes a 14-minute film which tells the story from the point of view of William’s half-brother Bishop Odo.

Now it’s time to see the Tapestry itself, dimly lit behind glass. The audio guide walks you through each scene, adding fascinating details about the lifestyle of the period.

In the first scene, Edward the Confessor is seen sending Harold from England to Normandy to tell Duke William that he will succeed to the English throne. Harold starts for the coast, preceded by his pack of hounds.

This critical scene (No 27) provides the moral impetus for the story, told from the Norman point of view: Harold, touching holy relics, swears allegiance to Duke William.

Harold returns to England from Normandy. On the death of Edward the Confessor, he is crowned king, breaking his oath to William. The appearance of Halley’s Comet foretells doom (No 32).

As soon as William has ordered his invasion fleet to be built (No 35), the stylized trees that served to break the scenes cease to appear, and the story begins to gather pace.

The battle scenes are marvellously depicted, – full of the clash, clamour and horror of war (Nos 51–58).

The Tapestry comes to an abrupt end with the death of Harold – shot in the eye by an arrow – and the victory of William over the English.