Ripon detectorist uncovers new chapter in history of world famous tapestry after six years of research

A Ripon metal detectorist claims his new research has uncovered a major omission in the world famous Bayeux Tapestry.

The return of the Bayeux Tapestry to England for the first time since it was made nearly 1,000 years ago, may be attracting huge crowds at the British Museum in London but Simon Richardson, who runs Fossil Treasures at HALLS of Ripon, says, the 230ft long work of embroidered storytelling leaves out one of Yorkshire's most significant battles of the time.

Following six years of investigations with fellow detectorist John Benfield, Simon has concluded that one thing, in particular, is missing from one of the most celebrated artefacts from the Middle Ages – the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

This crucial battle took place in the East Riding of Yorkshire on September 25, 1066, when King Harold Godwinson defeated a Viking army led by Norwegian King Harald Hardrada.

Just 19 days later, Harold was killed at the Battle of Hastings – the Norman victory which is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.

"The Battle of Stamford Bridge took place just 19 days before the Battle of Hastings,” Simon told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog.

“They were of equal historical importance but, with the demise of Anglo-Saxon King Harold at Hastings, it appears that a blind eye was turned to his heroic efforts in the north as the tapestry extensively features the Norman Conquest, which began in the south.”

The Ripon man, whose shop boasts a stunning collection of fossils, some of which were date back hundreds of millions of years on the Yorkshire coast, said he was amazed that not one single stitch recording the Battle of Stamford Bridge can be seen on the 70 metres of tapestry that was scrutinised by King Charles III and French President Emannuel Macron before going on public display in the UK for the first time in 960 years.

“In addition to missing out on the tapestry timeline, the discoveries that John and I have made since we were given official permission to explore the Stamford Bridge site six years ago, shows that historians and archaeologists have mistakenly ‘identified’ the area where they claim the battle took place,” he said.

“Artefacts that we have found a mile to the south of the ‘officially recognised’ battlefield, include parts of Viking swords, arrowheads, spears and mail armour, strongly suggesting that the map needs to be redrawn."

Such is the significance of Simon and John’s research has garnered national and international attention, including coverage in The Times and on BBC TV’s The One Show.