Battle of Fulford tapestry goes on public display after six years of work (From York Press)

Battle of Fulford tapestry goes on public display after six years of work

8:11am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News By Haydn Lewis, haydn.lewis@thepress.co.uk

VISITORS to a city-centre bank in York were treated to some rather unusual wall art.

For the first time, people could drop in to Barclays’ Parliament Street branch to view the completed Battle of Fulford tapestry.

Just as the world-famous Bayeaux Tapestry tells the story of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, so the 18ft-long Fulford Tapestry tells the story of the Battle of Fulford.

The battle followed the Viking invasion of England in September 1066 by King Harald Hardrada of Norway and ended in his victory against the English earls Morcar and Edwin at Fulford.

It took a band of local volunteers six years to complete the York tapestry, working from designs by architect and local historian Chas Jones.

He said: “This is the first chance for the people of York to see the completed article, which is six huge panels in all. They will also be able to meet some of the people who made it and buy merchandise, the proceeds from which we hope to put towards buying a display frame which will mean we can transport the tapestry so it can be displayed in schools and village halls.

“We are eventually looking to raise about £5,000 to buy the frame.”

The tapestry display was run alongside the city’s annual Viking Festival, which yesterday saw the recent archaeological excavations in the undercroft at York Minster put on display.

Ian Milsted, of the York Archaeological Trust, gave guided tours and talks about some of the more interesting discoveries.

Today, the Eye of York will be transformed into a fiery battleground as the festival comes to a close in a blaze of glory.

Organisers say the finale promises to combine a live action battle involving hundreds of re-enactors with dramatic pyrotechnic displays, set against an atmospheric soundtrack that will incorporate individual performances alongside extracts of Old Norse verse.

Throughout the day there will be Viking processions and activities around the city.

The battle itself is a ticket-only event. Tickets, at £10 for adults and £7.50 concessions, are available online at jorvik-viking-centre.com or by phoning the booking line on 01904 615505.