1 : Coronation of William the Conqueror, the Domesday Book and Royal Family tree

2 : Death of William Rufus, drowning of Henry I’s heir in the White Ship, and Henry II’s English possessions in France

The Embroidery was commissioned by the County Borough of Hastings and made by the Royal School of Needlework in 1965 to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings the following year. It was intended to be a modern day equivalent of the Bayeux Tapestry, although it is made in appliqué rather than being entirely stitched.

The complete embroidery is made up of 27 panels, each 9ft × 3 ft, and shows 81 great events in British history during the 900 years from 1066 to 1966.

It took 22 embroiderers 10 months to finish.  It includes tweed from Scotland, fabrics from the Victoria and Albert Museum, and feathers from London Zoo.

The Embroidery was on public display in Hastings, firstly in a specially built Triodome on Hastings Pier and later at the White Rock Theatre and Town Hall.

The embroidery is now preserved in London.