Bayeux Cathedral

The site is an ancient one and was once occupied by Roman sanctuaries.

The present cathedral was consecrated on 14 July 1077 in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy.

It was on this site that William may have forced Harold Godwinson to take an oath of support to him, the breaking of which led to the Norman Conquest of England – meaning that the oath must have been made before 1066.

Following serious damage to the cathedral in the 12th century, the cathedral was rebuilt in Gothic style which is most notable in the crossing tower, transepts and east end.

This article on a Roman Catholic cathedral in France is a stub.

UBI HAROLD SACRAMENTUM FECIT WILLELMO DUCI ('Where Harold made an oath to Duke William'). This scene, which is stated in the previous scene on the Tapestry to have taken place at Bagia (Bayeux, very likely in Bayeux Cathedral), shows Harold touching two altars with the enthroned Duke looking on, and is central to understanding the Norman Conquest of England. (from the Bayeux Tapestry )