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Why is the Tapestry so fragile?

The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth, not a woven one, making it inherently delicate. Its age, dating back to the 11th century, means the linen and wool threads have naturally degraded over time. Even tiny movements, like those during its journey, can stress these ancient fibres, leading to breakages like the two recently discovered.

Stories that explain this

Bayeux Tapestry has two broken threads after its July journey to London

Related explainers

Why is it going to London? Who pays for its security? How do they check its condition? What is the Bayeux Tapestry? Who commissioned the Tapestry? What is 'tapping up'?

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