Bayeux Tapestry delivered to British Museum in dead of night

Nearly 1,000 years after chronicling the Norman conquest of England, the Bayeux Tapestry is making history once again. The fragile 11th-century embroidery has arrived in London on an unprecedented loan to the British Museum, prompting delight and concern in equal measure. Celebrated as one of Europe's greatest medieval treasures, its journey has reignited debates over heritage, diplomacy and the risks of moving delicate cultural artefacts.

Crowd cheers as artwork depicting Norman conquest is unloaded at British Museum after cross-Channel voyage Like the man whose conquest of England almost a millennium ago it recounts, the Bayeux tapestry crossed the Channel in the dead of night, in as much secrecy as possible, landing on the country’s south coast early the following day. The artefact’s arrival on Friday marked the first time it has returned to England in nearly 1,000 years, and British Museum staff will begin to prepare it for exhibition during its year-long loan.