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BAYEUX TAPESTRY (Continued)

PLATE 13

Part Twenty-two
PLATE 13

The text here states "He ordered defences dug at Hastings". This time two fortifications can be seen. One is at the top of a hill, seen behind the men digging, consisting of two towers with what appears to be a wooden balustrade on the top of a hill. The style of the ground is illustrated in what is probably a strip farming format, as we have described previously. However the men are digging at the bottom of this hill adjacent to a further picture of the two towered fort. This has two windows in each tower suggesting we are being shown the same fort that is illustrated at Plate 11 but later in the week, when they have consolidated their position, by building a second fortification at the top of the hill adjacent to them. Not only is this logical, but confirms the reinstatement of forts (in the plural) mentioned in the Carmen text. One being at the bottom and one at the top of the same hill.

It is important to note that the defence work is being conducted at the lower fort, which was presumably close to the port. This is to the right of the lower fort, and at the bottom of the hill. It should also be noted that the diagrammatic view of the lower fort shows that the foot of the tower is terraced or has been earthed up, since the terracing does not cross the bottom of the tower. William is shown on an adjacent elevated dais indicating a commanding position over the site as he receives news of Harold.


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