Page:The Queens of England.djvu/15

MATILDA OF FLANDERS. 5 skill of her times, in that elaborate piece of workmanship called the Bayeux Tapestry, of which we have before spoken. This important work of art, the earliest notice of which is found in an inventory of the effects of the Abbey of Bayeux, in 1476, where it is called, "A very long piece of cloth, embroi- dered with figures and writing, representing the conquest of England," is in fact an historical chronicle, presenting in needlework a picture of events, commencing with the visit of Harold to the Norman court, and ' ending with his death on the fatal field of Hastings — a pictorial history important not only as a narrative of great events, but as a faithful memorial of the costume and manners of the age. That this epic in embroidery, which celebrates the warlike achievements of William, was the work of love on the part of his wife, may be easily believed ; and in this point of view it also acquires a deep additional interest. After the battle of Hastings, and the subjugation of the English, the Conqueror caused his own coronation to take place, and received the homage and submission of the chief nobility. Matilda, though not yet crowned, had assumed the title of Queen, probably on the occasion of William's return to Normandy, six months after the conquest of England. This return to Normandy created universal joy. Matilda and her children received him on shore a little below the Abbey of Fescamp, while all classes of his subjects vied with each other in doing him honor. Several months were spent in triumphal progresses through the towns and cities of Normandy, when a spirit of discontent and rebellion arising in his newly acquired territories, William again, in the stormy month of December, embarked for England, having left Matilda and their son Robert regents in Normandy during his absence. Tranquillity being once more restored, William sent over for Matilda. Accordingly, the following Easter, she and her children arrived in England, being joyfully met by William at Winchester, where preparations were immediately made for their coronation. Matilda's new subjects, who now for the first time beheld her, seem to have been greatly pleased by her manners and appearance. The coronation took place on Whitsunday at Winchester. The day was auspicious, and the weather fine ; the company numerous and noble, and as an important feature of the occasion, it is recorded that Wil- liam was in so remarkably gracious a mood as to grant favors