The Alderney Bayeux Tapestry Finale

Alderney's Bayeux Tapestry Finale is a modern, community-stitched embroidery that imaginatively completes the original Bayeux Tapestry - a chapter many experts believe was missing/incomplete. 

Origins & Creation
The project was conceived by Alderney resident Kate Russell, with artistic design by Artist Pauline Black and Latin inscriptions by Robin Whicker, the embroidery project began in February 2012. 

Over 400 people, locals and island visitors contributed stiches, making it one of the largest community heritage projects of its kind. 

Notably, the then Prince Charles and Camilla The Duchess of Cornwall also added their stitches during their 2012 visit. 

Design & Significance
While the original Bayeux Tapestry ends shortly after the Battle of Hastings, many historians believe it originally included an additional section depicting the coronation of William the Conqueror in Westminster Abbey. 

The Alderney Finale measures nearly 3meters long by 0.5meters high and includes four scenes: Williams victory at Hastings, the submission of English nobles, his coronation, and the beginning of the White Tower's construction. 

It's stitched using linen and wools closely matching the original tapestry's materials and includes playful nods to the Channel islands - such as puffin representing Alderney, a toad for Jersey and a donkey for Guernsey, in the boarders. 

The project has earned critical acclaim with Historian Michael Wood, calling it a "convincing reimagining" of what the lost section of the original tapestry might have looked like.

Unveiling & Where to see it
The tapestry was officially unveiled on the 5th of April 2013, by the curator of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and a senior representative from La Manche. 

The embroidery is on permanent display in the Alderney Library, Church Street, Alderney. 

It has toured in a 'roadshow' exhibition across the UK and The Channel Islands. When on tour a replica can be viewed at the Library.