Beaufort Tapestry

On first viewing, you may not be particularly impressed by the Beaufort Tapestry fragment.

It is after all, somewhat faded and of course highly restored. But these factors should not deflect from its importance.

Why?  Well, firstly it was created on or shortly after 1370, making it almost 650 years old.  But, even more importantly, it is the only known pre-15th century armorial tapestry that still survives.

The Hunt Museum fragment is one of ten listed sections of this iconic creation.

A Tapestry, So what?

Tapestries were highly valued in medieval Europe. The great period of tapestry weaving ran from the second half of the 14th century right up to the end of the 18th century. Wall hangings were extremely popular and were used to decorate both public and private areas. Tapestries were versatile. They could be rolled up and moved quite easily from one residence to another. They added colour to rooms and kept out breezes. [Remember ancient castles were cold draughty places. Windows did not have glass panes and insulation was unknown.] Also, they were very costly to produce and so were luxury items. Owning tapestries symbolised wealth, success and social class. They were the  Rolls Royce of the Middle Ages! [Henry VIII is reputed to have had 2000 of them hanging in his various palaces]

So, what about the Beaufort Tapestry?

It is thought to have been created for Guillaume III Roger de Beaufort  1332 – 1395 and his family.

Guillaume III Roger de Beaufort was appointed rector of the papal city of Avignon in 1370 when his brother became Pope Gregory XI in 1370.

The tapestry design uses repeating patterns, where a lion, stag, elephant or a unicorn carrying a heraldic shield  are placed at the centre. This central animal is enclosed at the top by angel figures holding a crown and at the bottom by turreted walls, probably those of Avignon. There is further enclosure by rosettes and by swans, the symbol of Avignon’s first bishop, St Agricola.

Sur le Pont!

The mention of Avignon may bring to mind the children’s song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.” Whatever the flippancy of a childish song, 14th century Avignon was a city of repute and renown. From 1309 until 1377 it replaced Rome as the home of the papacy, and seven successive popes resided there. This happened for a variety of reasons. Avignon was chosen as the new papal city as it was owned by the papacy and also enjoyed the protection of the powerful French king. Of course, this move was not universally popular. It proved very controversial and almost caused another split in the church. Ironically, it was Pope Gregory XI, [pictured below], brother of Guillaume Roger III of Beaufort tapestry fame, who initiated the return of the papacy to Rome.